Latest news with #SharonNolan
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘Housing shouldn't just be this asset. It should be a human right' – Galway woman's HAP struggle
Sharon Nolan was forced back into the rental market after a no-fault eviction, but with reduced mobility and financial constraints, finding suitable HAP accommodation became a desperate 12-month search that left just two properties available across the entire city Today at 11:35 Sharon Nolan remembers when Galway City began shifting into a housing crisis around 2013, a time when she felt the tension between supply and demand starting to build. More than a decade later, she continues to face the worsening consequences of that crisis. After a long-term lease ended due to a 'no-fault' eviction, a termination not based on tenant wrongdoing, Ms. Nolan was forced to re-enter the housing market in search of new accommodation. However, after an illness in 2021 left her with reduced mobility and degenerative health conditions, forcing her to step down from a physically demanding job, her search became significantly more challenging. She said she had to 'completely adjust [her] frame of mind' about housing, as mobility, accessibility, and, most importantly, finances became major factors in her search. Ms. Nolan became a recipient of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) in February 2023. The HAP is a social housing support provided by the local government where local authorities pay a landlord on a tenant's behalf. The HAP tenant then pays a weekly contribution towards the amount to the landlord. Residents who are applying for HAP must find their own private accommodation within specific rent caps governed by the local authority. 'I went into it with a pretty realistic approach,' she added, 'I can't drive so it has to be somewhere that's connected to the public transport system. If there isn't a bus stop within a 5–10-minute walk, I will end up housebound the majority of the time.' I can't drive so it has to be somewhere that's connected to the public transport system The situation became increasingly dire as she realised how little housing was available. She began considering accommodation that didn't suit her needs but felt she could manage, saying, 'It doesn't matter if there are stairs, I just need a house. I will deal with it when I am housebound, and my joints are acting up – I will deal with that then'. 'Right now, disability wise, I can afford to be in a place that isn't quite right.' Another concern for Ms. Nolan, who is in her early thirties, was the prospect of living with strangers. The limited housing options left her considering rooms in already-occupied properties. 'I don't think I had ever lived with strangers at this point. I have always ended up living with someone I at least kind of knew. The home Ms. Nolan currently lives in and hopes to stay in 'as long as they will have [her]', doesn't meet all the requirements for full accessibility. Still, she says its proximity to the city centre and ease of transportation make up for the challenges, at least for now. 'You come with extra paperwork' She was referred to her current landlord through a recommendation — likely the reason her application was accepted, she says. But disclosing to landlords that 'you come with extra paperwork' as a HAP tenant can mean your application gets denied. Technically, denying a tenant because of their status is illegal. According to the HAP website, it's considered discrimination saying, '[landlords] cannot treat a tenant getting HAP support any differently'. But they are also not 'legally required to rent to a person getting HAP'. Prospective tenants who believe they have been discriminated against for their HAP status must fill out an Equal Status Form under the Workplace Relations Commission which requests the name, address, and PPSN of the landlord. Once the form is complete with the complaint in detail, it is sent to the landlord requesting a response back. Ms. Nolan feels as though it's a 'huge flaw in the system' to say the discrimination is illegal but have 'such a [reporting] process that isn't fit for purpose". 'You are basically advised to not disclose that you are a HAP tenant until you are offered somewhere because there is a bias there. 'The unofficial advice given is one should try and see if you can pay up front for the first couple months, because once you are awarded the tenancy… it's a lot harder for them to say no to you. But if you are disclosing from the get-go… that's when they can say no without the recourse.' In addition to financial constraints, properties that fall within HAP guidelines are limited to begin with. Tenants must stay within a budget set by the council, and eligible homes must meet HAP requirements, including undergoing repeat inspections. At the time Ms. Nolan was on the hunt she was given a working figure that the maximum monthly rent could not exceed €650 a month. Designated HAP properties are in critically short supply. The most recent Locked Out of the Market report from Galway Simon highlights an alarmingly low number of properties available for HAP assistance in Galway. Over a three-day observation period, 38 standard rental properties were available across Galway city and its suburbs. Of those, only one home in the city and one in the suburbs qualified as HAP properties. This marks an increase from the previous report, which was covered by the Irish Independent and showed that no properties were available throughout Galway in March 2025. The study was 'designed to reflect the lived experience of people with access to HAP support trying to find a home to rent'. The lived experience of most though, is one of exhaustion and stress. 'Those 12 months that I spent house hunting and overholding were some of the most stressful 12 months of my life and when you have underlying illnesses where stress is a trigger, that's not good.' 'We are great at building committees and oversites and reports but put that funding into building public housing. The private market isn't working.' In the meantime, while Ms. Nolan doesn't see herself owning a home in Galway anytime soon, she remains hopeful about securing a long-term lease in an accessible home of her own. 'Housing shouldn't just be this asset. It should be a human right.'
USA Today
05-07-2025
- USA Today
From Maine to Maui, these are America's top 10 waterfront resorts for families
There's no vacation quite like a waterfront vacation. Whether it's a lakeside retreat or a family beach getaway, the scenic views and water adventures are never far away, and there's always something to do for everyone in the family. Drawing on my own experiences along with recommendations from other parents and travelers around the country, I've put together this traveler-approved list of America's top waterfront resorts and hotels for families of all ages and interests. SUN AND SAND: Escape to paradise at these 11 kid-friendly all-inclusive beach resorts around the world 1. The Osthoff Resort Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Spacious suites. Three swimming pools. An arcade and kids' club. An on-site cooking school and spa. There are a lot of reasons why The Osthoff Resort is an ideal spot for a waterfront family vacation. 'Staying at The Osthoff Resort on the shores of Elkhart Lake felt like stepping into a luxury version of an iconic family summer camp,' says Nicky Omohundro, a mom of three and owner and editor of the site Little Family Adventure. 'The lake is a huge draw, offering a range of activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Some of the best fishing I've enjoyed recently has been on this lake. But what made this resort truly special were the little touches that made it perfect for families.' "The private beach and lakefront fire pit provided a peaceful end to our days," she continues. "My best memories of the trip were made under a starry sky sharing s'mores and stories around those bonfires." TEEN-FRIENDLY TRIPS: Teen-tested, parent-approved: 10 family vacation ideas that will actually excite your teenagers 2. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Stay in Lowcountry style at The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, where water views can be enjoyed from the resort's wraparound porches. 'The resort has a wonderfully clean, bright nautical theme to its decor, and there are two pools, one with a zero-entry that is perfect for little ones,' says Sharon Nolan, a longtime Philadelphia-area travel writer who's traveled extensively with her three now-grown children. Activities abound, from an on-site sailing school and nightly bonfires to lawn games, a seasonal kids' club, a new summer roller rink and seasonal winter ice rink, and yoga on the lawn. 'I like the resort because you could have such a varied vacation here,' says Nolan. 'There are a lot of possibilities, which can be great for families trying to please a variety of kids. In addition, the family suites provide closeness, but also allow parents the ability to stay up a bit later and not disturb the little ones.' TAKE A SWING: 8 incredible golf courses in the U.S. you can build a whole vacation around 3. Henderson Beach Resort & Spa Destin, Florida Destin's only luxury resort, Henderson Beach Resort & Spa offers everything from standard guest rooms and suites to vacation rentals that can sleep up to 16 for a family escape to the Florida Panhandle. No matter how you stay, you get access to a stretch of white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico, three pools and two lazy rivers, a kids' club, lawn games, yoga classes and a fitness studio, and complimentary bike, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals. PLAY TIME: 8 Florida attractions that are just as much fun as Disney and Universal 'Most people think of Destin as a vacation rental destination, but that kind of 'vacation' takes a lot of work,' says Holly Johnson, a mom of two and family travel expert at 'Henderson Beach Resort gives you the option to book a luxury resort stay like you would in other destinations. You can order food by the pool, visit the on-site spa, and more. You don't have to do everything yourself like you do with a vacation rental; you can have people cater to you all day and night if you prefer.' 4. Sea Island Sea Island, Georgia Georgia's Golden Isles are a favorite vacation destination of mine, and a big reason for that is the area's historic gems like Sea Island. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal Georgia resort island has been welcoming guests since 1928. Lodging options here range from privately owned cottages to guest rooms and suites in The Cloister, a Spanish-colonial beauty of a hotel designed by Addison Mizner. 'It's a cherished family resort where generations of families return year after year to create and keep traditions,' says Florida-based freelance travel writer and editor Angela Caraway-Carlton. 'At night, a photographer roams the lobby of The Cloister to snap photos of families dressed in their best. I love seeing all of the kids dressed in their tiny suits and frilly dresses, 'cheese'-ing for the camera.' Activities include vacation standards like pools and a beach club along with less typical offerings like horseback riding on the beach, beach shelling by golf cart, and the resort's Hawk Walk. 'It was crazy to watch fearless kids take part in the Hawk Walk on Rainbow Island, where a hawk lands on your gloved arm,' says Caraway-Carlton. 'They didn't even flinch!' KID-FRIENDLY: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember (updated for 2025) 5. Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine Located on a mile of sandy beach, Inn by the Sea makes for a picture-perfect spot for a multigenerational family vacation. Guests can choose from traditional rooms or spacious one- or two-bedroom suites, some of which have balconies and two-way gas fireplaces. A heated pool, full-service spa, and activities like yoga, beach ecology walks, and the kid-focused Bug's Life Tour help the whole family (including the canine members) connect with the inn's scenic setting. 'Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth is a classic Maine seaside resort and my absolute favorite,' says FamilyVacationist contributor Allison Tibaldi. 'You traverse a private walkway/boardwalk to Crescent Beach, a dreamy stretch of sand and sea with a view of a lighthouse. It's the definition of New England charm. And Portland is only a 15-minute drive away.' BEST TRIP EVER: Family travel made easy: 101 fresh vacation ideas for the best trip ever (updated for 2025) 6. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa Amelia Island, Florida Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa occupies a prime stretch of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on a barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida. Guests can rent chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for relaxing by the shoreline, but you'll probably spend a lot of time swimming, shelling, body surfing, and sandcastle building. A family pool, nautical-themed splash pad, and adults-only pool offer more ways to cool down, and other resort amenities include a mini-golf course, the 10-hole Little Sandy golf course ideal for novice golfers, bike rentals, and a nature center offering tours and family programming. 'The luxury resort is known for its incredible spa, beach access, and its proximity to all of the fun in Fernandina Beach,' says Megan duBois, FamilyVacationist's senior theme park editor. 'And I love that every year the resort hosts Fish to Fork, a culinary festival that highlights the bounty of Florida's waterways.' STAY IN SUNSHINE: 10 dreamy Florida beach resorts that are perfect for families 7. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection Point Clear, Alabama A local fixture since 1847, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection occupies 550 acres overlooking Mobile Bay near the charming city of Fairhope. Options for family fun range from tennis and pickleball courts, croquet lawns, and two 18-hole golf courses to a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide and splash pad. Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel. 'I love the Grand Hotel; it's the epitome of Southern charm,' says Caraway-Carlton. 'I've gone there since I was a child. It's not just for tourists; the locals go there just as much as visitors do. It's beloved by the community, and nearby Fairhope is literally like stepping into a Hallmark movie.' MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages 8. Fairmont Kea Lani Wailea, Maui, Hawaii With 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two- and three-bedroom two-story villas, Fairmont Kea Lani offers lodging options for families of all sizes. In addition to the resort's white-sand beach, there are two family pools connected by a 140-foot waterslide (plus one pool reserved just for the adults). On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands' history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed. 'The Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui was the most beautiful, family-friendly but also luxurious resort I've ever been to,' says Amber M. Shimel, a Florida-based mom of five who runs the blog Amber Likes. 'My children still talk about the wonderful sitter the hotel provided one night. There were family-friendly activities, and the beach had lots of shade and a grassy area perfect for toddlers.' DECISION TIME: How to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit 9. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Oahu, Hawai'i When you combine Disney and Hawaii, it's not surprising you wind up with a waterfront resort made for making memories. Where else can you meet Disney characters while also taking in Hawaiian sunsets, spotting sea life, and enjoying Hawaiian shave ice? 'Our family loves the blend of Disney storytelling combined with an authentic Hawaiian beach vacation at Aulani,' says FamilyVacationist contributor Dave Parfitt. 'A particular highlight was channeling our inner Moana and watching sea turtles float by during the sailing canoe tour. If your family loves Disney but prefers a laidback beach trip as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a theme park, Aulani's the place for you.' 'Aulani is not only our family's favorite resort, but it was also the best vacation we've ever taken, according to my kids,' says Meagan Wristen, a mom of three who runs the blog Mommy Travels. 'The teen program was one of the best we've experienced, the family activities were unique and fun, and of course Mickey was there.' ALMOST ALL-INCLUSIVE: 6 best Hawaii resorts that are (nearly) all-inclusive 10. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Situated on a 72-acre peninsula of protected natural reserve in the shadow of El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System), Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico espouses a true vacation vibe. The waterfront resort's motto is 'doing nothing means everything,' and oceanfront hammocks, poolside cabanas, and a seriously soothing spa provide plenty of opportunities for totally chilling out. CLOSE TO HOME: 8 best Puerto Rico (almost) all-inclusive resorts for families Of course, there are lots of ways to do more than just relax, whether that's splashing in Puerto Rico's largest lagoon-style pool, paddling a kayak in the Atlantic Ocean, taking a family-friendly sushi-making class, pedaling a complimentary bike rental, testing your skills in a TopGolf Swing Suite, or teeing off at the 27-hole, Tom Kite–designed championship golf course. Seventeen food and beverage options include beachside food trucks for casual family meals. The resort's hotel-within-a-hotel concept, Villas en la Reserva, makes a good choice for families, offering spacious villas with kitchenettes, separate living rooms with queen sleeper sofas, and balconies or patios with ocean views. Stay here and you have access to your own pool area, coffee shop, and poolside bar and restaurant. But my favorite part about staying in the Villas en la Reserva? The Monday and Tuesday morning deliveries of pan sobao, a traditional Puerto Rican bread served warm with honey butter and local cheese that tastes just as good as it sounds. From Maine to Maui, these are America's top 10 waterfront resorts for families originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. 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