by Alan Jacques
FOR the past six years, the outreach service operated by Novas Initiatives has provided kindness and sustenance to Limerick’s most marginalised people.
Traditionally based outside the former Ferguson’s Chemist site on O’Connell Street, Novas volunteers would set up shop every evening from 7pm to distribute hot meals, sandwiches, teas, coffees and soup to the city’s homeless.
However, this month the soup run upped sticks to William Street where food and drinks are now being served out of the charity’s brand new van.
Head of Novas Initiatives’ Homeless Services, Anne Cronin explained, “In an effort to address a number of local concerns it was decided to relocate to William Street and a van has been purchased for the distribution of food.”
“We will continue to provide a much needed service to those in need,” Ms Cronin insisted.
Novas Initiatives provides services to homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. The homeless charity provided support and services to 2,014 Irish families, children and single adults during 2013, an increase of 23 per cent from the previous 12 month period and a 110 per cent increase since 2010.
The Limerick soup run was started in 2009 by two Novas staff members on a voluntary basis who were concerned at the number of people calling to Brother Russell and McGarry House looking for food. But what initially started as a service provided once a week grew to a nightly service in 2012.
“They were overwhelmed by the response and very soon started recruiting other volunteers to meet with the demand. Over the following months and years the service grew. The soup run is totally volunteer driven and a team of over 40 dedicated men and women give up their time to ensure the success of the project,” Novas Initiatives’ communication and development coordinator Christy O’Connor told the Limerick Post.
Novas Initiatives, the largest provider of homeless services in the Mid-West region, attracts between 15 and 30 people to its nightly soup run in the city centre. The service receives no statutory funding.
“The service is only possible due to the kindness of the people of Limerick for their regular donations and the generosity of the Greenhills Hotel in providing hot meals seven nights per week. Hot meals are supplemented with sandwiches and snacks that are made available from monetary donations and Foodcloud, where businesses donate excess food,” said Mr O’Connor.
