FAMILIES experiencing homelessness in the Limerick have been moved into the new Childers Road Family Hub in time for Christmas.
The Hub, which is the second developed as part of Limerick City and County Council’s response to the housing crisis, has a total of 30 units and will be managed by Focus Ireland.
Families will have dedicated wrap-around support services to help them be in a better position to move into their own homes and the facility will be staffed on a 24-hour basis with families accommodated in a more homely setting.
The units are all self-contained apartments with individual living, cooking and laundry facilities and they are a significantly better alternative to a B&B or hotel accommodation.
The other Family Hub on the Dublin Road has 10 units, which is supported by Mid West Simon.
The Council stressed that family hubs are being provided as a stepping-stone for families to get their own home and also confirmed that three families, who had been living in the family hub on the Dublin Road, have already been allocated permanent homes.
In addition to the hubs, 33 houses have been allocated to families and 10 extra rooms in newly refurbished accommodation across Limerick city have been allocated to those affected by homelessness.
“I’d like to thank all the staff from across the council who together with the legal team, auctioneers, designers and contractors worked tirelessly to ensure families had a good home in time for Christmas,” director of Social Development with Limerick City and County Council, Carmel Kirby said.
“It is important to stress that Limerick City and County Council views the family hubs as transitional accommodation and will be working hard to house the families in permanent homes,” she added.
Limerick City and County Council has made provision to ensure that all homeless families and individuals will have accommodation available to them over the Christmas and New Year period.
Anyone in need of homeless services can contact the Out of Hours Service on 1800 606060 (24 /7) or attend in person on any day at the Intensive Family Support Service at 1 Mungret Street, Limerick between the hours of 12noon and 4pm.
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