A Limerick-based charity that supports individuals experiencing homelessness has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to purchase a new outreach van, vital for assisting vulnerable people in the city, reports The Mirror.
Since 2010, the Novas Street Outreach service has operated every day of the year, delivering hot meals, essential toiletries, and much-needed support to those sleeping rough or living on the fringes of society in Limerick. Already this year, the team has distributed over 18,250 meals.
The service is primarily run by volunteers, with support from Novas staff. It is funded solely through public donations, with local businesses contributing food and other supplies, reports The Mirror.
Volunteer Abdulaziz emphasised the importance of the van, saying: “The van is essential for transporting food and supplies, but it is becoming unreliable. At times it won’t even start. The van is also quite cramped, especially when we are carrying a full load of food and equipment. A larger van would allow us to transport more supplies, serve more people, and work more efficiently, particularly during bad weather or on very busy nights,” reports The Mirror.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, a Novas spokesperson said: “Our current outreach van, after years of heavy daily use, has become unreliable and is no longer fit for purpose.
“With demand at record levels – some nights assisting up to 50 people – Novas urgently requires a new, custom-fitted vehicle to ensure we can continue delivering this essential lifeline to those experiencing homelessness for many years to come,” reports The Mirror.
The charity is aiming to raise sufficient funds for a replacement van by the end of the year. Some funds have already been secured through the Limerick Business Breakfast held earlier in February 2025.
All donations to the appeal will directly support:
- A safer, more dependable and efficient outreach van
- A larger vehicle capable of serving more people with food and critical supplies
- The goal of ensuring no one in Limerick City goes hungry
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