Buncrana GAA Club held an "open house" at its clubhouse today for people affected by the freak floods in Inishowen, Co Donegal.
Representatives from the Department of Social Protection, the Samaritans, the Red Cross and counsellors from Insight Inishowen were there to help and advise people.
The club also took names and compiled a list of people who are willing to volunteer their services in the aftermath of the floods.
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Among those who came along were Annette McFarlane and her son Paul who have been left homeless and are staying with Ms McFarlane's daughter and her husband.
She said it helped to come and talk to others who are in the same situation.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Ms McFarlane said that what they really need is a home. A view shared by a number of other people who said accommodation is the big issue for many.
Counsellor and Therapist Breda Friel came to the club with a team of counsellors from Insight Inishowen to speak to people.
She said the suddenness of the floods will mean people will suffer shock and symptoms such as difficulties with sleeping but she said help is available.
A meeting will be held at The Exchange, Castle Avenue, Buncrana tomorrow night at 7:30pm to help people understand the emotional and psychological impact of the trauma caused with the floods and how to cope with it.
There is also a HSE flooding helpline available on 074-9167558.
Buncrana GAA Club Health and Well Being Officer Áine Daly said it was an emotional day for people many of whom felt upset and lost but the club was very happy to be able to provide them with a listening ear and point them in the right direction in terms of getting help.
The club has compiled a list of the different support agencies and a list of people offering voluntary help.
The club can be contacted on 086-3953380.
Staff from the Department of Social Protection were at the open house to advise people.
Since Thursday 60 households have availed of the financial assistance available under the Humanitarian Assistance scheme but a spokesperson said the department is encouraging anyone in need to contact them including the self employed.
Details of the scheme are available on www.welfare.ie
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief has said that it is time for the Government to consider a "dedicated Agency for Emergency Situations similar to many other European countries."
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that the primary aim of the agency would be to provide a rapid response in the case of emergencies.
He said: "By having a dedicated Agency for Emergency Agencies, the help can be on the ground within hours. This is particularly important where houses have become uninhabitable and people need help urgently.
"The Government agency would oversee emergency services and protect people during natural disasters."
