by Alan Jacques
MORE than half the 2,219 people who sought help from the Novas Initiatives homeless service last year were registered in Limerick.
The charity’s 2014 report shows a startling rise in the numbers seeking support, with 1,200 accessing a service in the city last year representing a 131 per cent increase over a five-year period.
A national organisation, Novas has nine services in Limerick and a further three in the Mid-West region.
More than 40 per cent of those seeking assistance last year were looking for temporary supported accommodation.
Novas’ head of homeless services, Anne Cronin, said they provide care for all their clients through the provision of supported temporary and long-term accommodation, independent housing, mental health services, respite, family support and tenancy sustainment as well as a dedicated detox service for those with addiction issues.
“Providing accommodation alone is simply not enough as homeless people also require emotional and practical supports. However, providing a home for somebody makes this much easier as recovery cannot happen without hope.”
More than 70 per cent of Novas’ clients are under the age of 40 and 60 per cent of them are female.
Novas have two large accommodation units in the city at McGarry House and Brother Russell House, which provide mixed accommodation for more than 100 people. It also operates a Family Support Service in Mungret Street that supported more than 140 families who were homeless or at risk of homelessness during 2014.
The Novas street outreach service provides food, advice and support to marginalised people seven nights a week.
