'I feel safe': How Anew helps pregnant homeless women and their babies

Anew is the only service in the country that helps women in the last weeks of pregnancy and into their new motherhood. Last year, they had a waiting list, writes Mick Clifford

Cherry Blossom Cottage in Swords, Co Dublin where supported accommodation for pregnant women is provided and supports are offered to new mothers who are experiencing homelessness during their pregnancy. Photo: Moya Nolan

Anna was going from one hostel to another in a heavily pregnant state. 

Most of the hostels in the Dublin city centre area were designated as emergency facilities, so it wasn’t possible to stay in any place for any length of time.