Accelerating Potential
Huntstown Family Resource Centre
Huntstown, Dublin 15
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF AN OPEN DOOR - AND A ROOF THAT WILL KEEP IT THAT WAY FOR MANY MORE.
Founded in 2000, Huntstown Family Resource Centre has become a vital resource for families in Huntstown and the surrounding community. More than 5,000 people a year pass through its doors - for courses, support services, a cup of tea and a conversation, or simply because they need somewhere to go.
A team of 16 staff, supported by a board of volunteer directors and 20 volunteers, keeps the centre running on a simple principle: a safe, warm and welcoming place for everyone who needs it.
A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF SUPPORT
For 25 years, Huntstown FRC has supported families, reduced isolation and built connection across the community. Much of this work happens quietly, but its impact is felt every day - helping people access support, build confidence and create opportunities for themselves and their families.
In 2025, the centre celebrates 25 years of keeping its doors open. The milestone comes alongside a nomination for the IPB Pride of Place awards, recognising a community that has built something worth being proud of.
And the ambition continues. The centre has recently acquired a piece of land next door, with plans to create a community garden - another place for families and neighbours to meet, grow something together and put down roots for the next 25 years.
Twenty-five years in, we still say yes when someone needs somewhere to go. That’s not going to change, and the new roof means we don’t have to worry about the building while we keep saying it. Clann Credo made the money side simple - we had the grant, we just needed the timing to work, and they sorted that without any fuss. Between the anniversary, the Pride of Place nomination and the new garden going in next door, this has been the best year we’ve had in a long time.
Chris Sullivan, Manager, Huntstown Family Resource Centre
KEEPING THE DOORS OPEN
Even a much-loved community building needs investment. In 2025, the centre’s roof required a full renovation, including 35 new skylights, to keep the building safe, dry and fit for the community that relies on it.
Fingal County Council provided a Community Recognition Fund grant, covering 100% of the cost. But the grant was payable retrospectively, creating a familiar challenge: the work needed to happen before the funding arrived.
Clann Credo provided an unsecured bridging loan enabling contractors to start immediately rather than Huntstown FRC having to wait. Once the grant is received, the loan is repaid in full.
For Huntstown Family Resource Centre, this was more than a financing solution. It meant the centre could keep moving, keep supporting families and keep its doors open without the timing of grant funding becoming a barrier.
Image Gallery
SO, WHAT CAME OF IT?
A stronger building, an open door and a community looking forward. In 2025, Huntstown Family Resource Centre marked 25 years of service, secured the investment needed to protect its building for the future, earned recognition through its IPB Pride of Place nomination, and began planning for the transformation of the neighbouring land into a community garden. The roof may be the immediate project, but the real investment is in what happens underneath it - families meeting, learning, finding support and building a stronger future.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
5,000+ people served annually · 16 staff · 20 volunteers · 25 years serving Huntstown · IPB Pride of Place nominee.
