Site at Alphonsus Street to be redeveloped
FAMILIES who are finding it difficult to provide toys for their children this Christmas are offered a lifeline-thanks to NOVAS, who work with those most marginalised in our communities.
They have organised a Christmas toy appeal, and have asked the public if they would like to volunteer their time, a toy, a small present, a hamper or a cash donation.
The NOVAS head office is based at No 1 Mungret Street, phone 468033.
Novas Initiatives is the largest voluntary organisation in the Mid West working with those who are most marginalised in our communities, with a particular emphasis on looking after the homeless.
They identify gaps in service provision through working closely with those experiencing homeless and those who are dispossessed in our society.
Said a spokesperson: “When we started our ‘Street Outreach campaign’ last year we had no idea how much of a necessary service it would become.
“What started as a soup run one night a week in the city has increased to a full street outreach service five nights per week this Christmas, offering food and support to over 20 people each night, many of whom are sleeping rough, squatting in run-down, abandoned accommodation or ‘sofa-surfing’.
“This service is completely reliant on the commitment of volunteers as it receives no funding whatsoever from government”.
This year, he continued, brought many unwelcome changes to the area of homeless provision.
Extreme funding cuts, coupled with an increase in the numbers presenting to our services, meant that their resources were and will continue to be stretched to the limit.
“Further cuts to government grants for homeless accommodation providers have been promised, begging the question – how will vital services survive going forward? Can the promise to end homelessness be realised in such conditions?
NI provides emergency accommodation to 56 homeless men and women in Limerick.
This support, the emphasise, takes the form of immediate services like food, a warm bed, a listening ear as well as access to GP services, mental health services, addiction services and other therapeutic interventions.
The plan for 2011, is to redevelop the site at Alphonsus St, creating a further 37 units of accommodation for those who are ready to move out of homelessness into supported long-term accommodation.
NOVAS also reports that their Intensive Family Support Service has remained very busy throughout the year, continuing to work with families who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Also, they work with a large number of families whose children are in the care of the State, single mums on their own and in crisis, parents battling with addiction.
As reported recently in the Limerick Post, The DIAL (Developing Independent Active Living) service located on the Ennis Road, has also stretched itself further to meet the ever increasing needs of young people leaving State care at 18.
