NOVAS shares that homelessness pressures are rising as Limerick faces winter challenges.
HOMELESSNESS services across the Mid-West are facing increasing pressure as winter approaches, with NOVAS, a registered charity, saying, “The current statistics are rising nationally at an alarming rate.”
Figures from the Department of Housing show that the number of adults accessing state-funded emergency accommodation across the Mid-West rose by 34.3%, from 601 in August 2025 to 807 in August 2026. The number of homeless families also increased by 50.3%, from 153 to 230.
NOVAS stressed that these figures do not capture the full extent of homelessness, excluding people sleeping rough, sofa surfing and experiencing other forms of hidden homelessness.
The organisation also highlighted the difficulties facing people who are employed but are still unable to afford somewhere to live.
“Employment should provide a route to housing security, but having a job does not necessarily mean someone can find accommodation they can afford,” NOVAS said.
The charity added that some working people are sofa surfing, sleeping in their cars or seeking emergency accommodation due to rising living costs and housing insecurity.
As temperatures drop, NOVAS expects demand for its services to increase, particularly through its street outreach service in Limerick.
The organisation said people sleeping rough face difficulties accessing warm, dry clothing and safe places to rest, with wet clothing and bedding often impossible to dry before another night outdoors.
“Poor sleep, exhaustion, isolation and concerns about personal safety add to that hardship,” NOVAS explained.
Its street outreach service operates every evening at 7pm on Upper William Street, providing hot meals, toiletries, basic first aid, sleeping bags, and emotional support.
However, NOVAS warned that emergency accommodation and support services in Limerick remain under significant pressure, with gaps continuing despite additional beds being provided through the winter support initiative, in collaboration with the Limerick Homeless Action Team (Limerick City and County Council).
The charity is also encouraging the people of Limerick to support those experiencing homelessness through donations and fundraising.
Financial contributions are particularly helpful, allowing NOVAS to direct funds towards the areas of greatest need.
Its current winter appeal is also seeking essentials for women experiencing homelessness and to help “protect the dignity of the women” they support. They only “distribute items that are new and unused.”
They are asking for:
- Toiletries: new and unopened wipes, period products, shower gel, deodorant and shampoo.
- Women’s clothing: new and unworn underwear, socks, gloves, long-sleeved tops, leggings, coats, scarves, hats and fleeces. Smaller sizes are particularly welcome.
- Treats: in-date, non-perishable items such as sweets, chocolate bars and crisps.
- Sleeping bags
Members of the public can also support the charity through fundraising events and its annual ‘Christmas Sleep Out’ in December, which is their biggest fundraising event of the year.
Donations can be made through the NOVAS website.
As winter approaches, the organisation is reminding the public that practical community support can make a difference to people experiencing homelessness across Limerick.