Demand for homelessness services rises 130%

An organisation for the homeless has experienced a 130% jump over the last five years in the number of people accessing its services.

Novas, which operates in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, and Dublin, provided support to 2,219 individuals in 2014, compared to 961 in 2010.

Novas’ annual report for 2014 described this rise in demand as “unprecedented”, and said that 23% of those who sought help did not receive it as the organisation was over-subscribed.

It said this included 58% of those who sought temporary supported accommodation, as “demand continually outstripped capacity”.

It said 60% of Novas’ clients were female, “highlighting the rise in female homelessness, and, in turn, family homelessness”.

The report said 56% of all the people accessing a Novas facility were doing so for the first time.

Some 1,200 of the 2,119 clients of Novas were from Limerick, reflecting where the organisation set up and has many of its services.

“Novas provide a continuum of care for all its clients who are supported through the provision of supported temporary and long-term accommodation, independent housing, mental health services, respite, family support and tenancy sustainment and a dedicated detox services for people in the community with addiction issues,” said Anne Cronin, head of homeless services.

Chairman Michael Flynn said Novas had come from running an emergency accommodation service for street drinkers in Limerick City to providing 20 services across six counties.

Two large accommodation units in Limerick City — McGarry House and Brother Russell House — provide accommodation for more than 100 people, while the family support service in Mungret St supported 140 families in 2014.

The report said 94 people engaged with their community detox services and that polydrug (multiple drug) use had increased significantly.

It said a “considerable minority” of people were aged between 18 and 21.

The Street Outreach service — run by volunteers — provided more than 10,500 meals on the streets of Limerick, with up to 30 people per night accessing it.

• www.novas.ie