ONE: Sleeping Flags by Rothco

Across the world, no single symbol represents a country more than its flag. And, in many countries, no group of people represents that flag with more pride or passion than its military. Ireland is no different. But despite decades of distinguished service as UN Peacekeepers around the world and at home during The Troubles, public awareness of the plight of veterans is almost non-existent.

ONE (The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel/Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann) aims to raise public awareness and aid for the homeless Irish Defence Forces veterans it provides emergency accommodation for. ONE sought help from Rothco to help them spark a national conversation.

This led to the creation of the Sleeping Flags, which took the iconic green, white and orange tricolour flag and paired it with the object most universally associated with homelessness, the sleeping bag. To incite a conversation that would drive awareness and donations, images of the veterans on the streets in Sleeping Flags outside historically significant political landmarks were leaked to social media, before ONE later claimed responsibility for the act, along with a video for the appeal.

Set against Ireland’s current homelessness crisis, the preventive services ONE offer are more vital than ever. By offering over 16,000 bed nights every year, between Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone, and with 95% of the veterans they help moving on to permanent housing, the organisation is ensuring even more people don’t end up joining the vicious cycle.