Peter McVerry Trust, originally known as the Arrupe Society, was established in 1983 by Fr Peter McVerry.

Fr McVerry began working in Summerhill in Dublin’s north inner-city in 1974, where he witnessed first-hand the problems of homelessness and deprivation. By 1979, he had opened a small hostel to provide accommodation for homeless boys between the ages of 12-16.

Due to the ongoing absence of appropriate supports and services for young people impacted by homelessness, Fr McVerry continued to respond to their needs through advocacy and the development of new services.

In December 1983, the Arrupe Society became a registered charity, providing housing and support for young people experiencing homelessness. At the time, there was a growing number of individuals becoming homeless in Dublin, many of whom were unaccompanied minors.

From that point on Peter became a leading advocate for those marginalised in Irish society. The charity grew and increased its services to include drug treatment, more U18s residential services, and a drop-in centre run by Fr McVerry.

In 2005, a new Board of Directors and the charity’s first CEO were appointed to help develop the organisation and to respond to increased regulatory, governance and funding requirements. It was at this point, in 2005, that the name of the charity was changed to Peter McVerry Trust, a move suggested by the board and agreed to by Fr McVerry.

The new structures enabled the charity to respond to an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

In 2023 the charity marked its 40th year of helping vulnerable people and those impacted by homelessness.

In July 2021, Peter McVerry Trust published its fourth strategic plan covering the period up to 2025. That publication and previous plans, are available below.

• Peter McVerry Trust Strategic Plan 2021-2025
• Peter McVerry Trust Strategic Plan 2016-2020
• Peter McVerry Trust Strategic Plan 2011-2015
• Peter McVerry Trust Strategic Plan 2007-2009