Galway is taking part in the annual 'Sleeping Flags' campaign to raise awareness and funds for Ireland's ex Defence Forces staff - servicemen and women who find themselves homeless.
The fundraising event is organised by the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, known as ONE.
Veterans and members are sleeping out in symbolic tri-colour sleeping bags from 9am to 9pm today.
Traditionally the event has been held in Dublin but this year it has been extended to Galway, Cork, Limerick and Athlone.
Martin Mannion, Chairperson of the Galway branch of ONE charity, said: "Our campaign helps to highlight the severity of real-life situations for many former servicemen and women who find themselves homeless.
"The goal is to help them access permanent accommodation and improve their mental health. We try to put supports in place to prevent future homelessness.
"Many of these veterans sacrificed their physical and mental well-being, serving both at home and abroad, in UN peacekeeping missions as far away as the Congo and in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
"They found little support when they returned home and suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, disability, addiction issues, family break-ups. Eventually many of these men and women became homeless."
Each location was specifically chosen based on the demand for ONE services in the area, with the campaign focused around the Civic Centre in Athlone town, Patrick Street in Cork city, Eyre Square in Galway city, O' Connell Street in Limerick and the GPO, Heuston Station, College Green and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
All funds raised throughout the day will go directly towards improving support centres, funding the veteran homes, increasing mental health outreach with provision of addiction counselling.
To date, ONE has helped over 1,000 veterans get back on their feet.
The charity provides accommodation and meals for 54 veterans, who would otherwise be homeless, in its four residential homes and is currently developing a further home in Cork to bring its homeless accommodation to 60 bedrooms.
