NOVAS

With more people than ever before experiencing homelessness, your support is vital in helping us reach the most marginalised people in our local communities. This Christmas, you can make a real difference for families and individuals facing homelessness. Whether it’s through a donation, participating in events, fundraising, or simply spreading the word, your help brings hope and support to those in need. ✨ Here’s how you can help: • Make a Donation - https://lnkd.in/ge_QRAQi • Sign up or donate to the NOVAS Christmas Sleep Out - https://lnkd.in/grWKNpEA • Buy NOVAS Christmas Cards - https://lnkd.in/gAHrwb_4 • Hold a Fundraising Event - https://lnkd.in/gF86CEK2 • Organise a Christmas Jumper Day- https://lnkd.in/gwCvwCax The links are in our bio! Every small act of support can have a huge impact on supporting those most in need this Christmas ❤🎄 #NOVAS #Christmas #NovasSleepOut #fundraiser #christmasjumperday #ChristmasCards #donate

One of the inspiring stories from our 2023 Annual Report comes from a resident of McGarry House. Here is her journey in her own words: "I am writing to tell you how NOVAS Services has helped me change my life. I have lived in McGarry House for a year and I am currently six months in recovery. Here is my story. For many years I have struggled with addiction. The struggle with addiction led to my parents not being able to handle me and I ended up on the streets. I attended treatment a few times throughout my life, but it never suited me. After treatment I would end up back on the streets continuing to battle my own demons and drug addiction. After a few months of attending various NOVAS services and hospital, I secured a full-time bed in McGarry House. When I first came to McGarry House, I was at one of my lowest points, but the staff were there to support me. Throughout my first few months in McGarry House I witnessed overdoses, and I decided I did not want this for my life anymore. I decided to self detox with the support of the fabulous staff and I have been sober for six months. McGarry House staff have always gone above and beyond to support all of us in the service. Within McGarry House I have completed a TOPPLE course as witnessing these overdoses scared me and I wanted to help prevent it happening again. In McGarry House, I have developed a good routine which has helped me stay positive. During the day I stay active and have enrolled in some courses. Currently I am doing a cooking course, computer course and I have joined the Helping Women in Recovery group in Palls." - A Woman Living in McGarry House ❤ #NOVAS #AnnualReport2023

We are very grateful to Synopsys Inc and their Dublin team for taking time out of their busy work day to assemble packs of food for people experiencing homelessness. Thank you so much for your kind effort, and thanks to Fiona Meehan in Volunteer Ireland for organising this volunteer day! 

Our annual report highlights the remarkable story of Angelina, who urges those facing homelessness to hold on to hope and take it one day at a time ❤ Angelina's Story My name is Angelina, and I want to share my journey to offer hope to others experiencing homelessness. We were renting a house when the landlord decided to sell it, leaving me and my two children, then 9 and 5, devastated. Despite applying for countless rentals, we found none, and eventually, we had to present as homeless. Just two days before we had to leave, NOVAS provided us with a hotel room in the city, which, while not ideal, allowed my kids to stay in their school. Living in the hotel was tough. We went from a 3-bedroom house to a single room with three beds, no kitchen, and no privacy. I had to go to my mum’s to do the laundry and cooking, and my kids had to eat and do homework on their beds. There was no space for play or friends, making it heart-breaking to see them adapt to such a confined life. Our first Christmas it was especially difficult, with no room for a tree and no space to play with their new toys. After a year, we moved to a family hub, which was a bit better because at least I could cook and we had slightly more space. But it was still very hard. Finally, two years after losing our home, NOVAS gave us the keys to a house. It was the happiest day of our lives—my daughter’s birthday, making it even more special. Our new home is wonderful, and my children have regained their childhood, riding bikes and inviting friends over. This Christmas, we’re decorating the house, putting the Christmas tree in the window, and hosting family dinner. I’m so grateful to NOVAS and their support, especially James, my Tenant Engagement Manager. To anyone facing homelessness, take it day by day—there is hope. Thank you to everyone who supports NOVAS and helps families like mine find a home. — Angelina To learn more about Angelina's inspiring journey and discover ways you can make a difference, click here: https://lnkd.in/g5yb3TyE #AnnualReport2023 #NOVAS

Last Thursday, NOVAS was honoured to receive a donation from The Hospital Saturday Fund at the Cork 2024 Charity Reception in UCC. We are deeply grateful to The Hospital Saturday Fund for selecting NOVAS as one of the charities to receive this incredible funding. Thank you! 💗 #thankyou #grateful

NOVAS is a member of the Irish Homeless Policy Group (IHPG), a group of organisations who work in the sphere of housing and homelessness. We have a shared ambition of ending homelessness and realising housing as a human right. In the final week of canvassing, The IHPG urges you to ask your candidates to commit to ending the current housing and homeless crisis. We have a number of collective asks. *Build 55,000 houses a year *Ensure 20% of all delivery is for social and affordable housing *Build the right type of housing – one bedroom units & large family homes *Invest in homeless prevention services *Provide enough services so no one has to sleep rough *End long-term homelessness by 2030 Ask your candidates to commit to these recommendations and help us to end homelessness. Read of full manifesto here: https://www.novas.ie/news/ #GE24 #EndHomelessness

NOVAS is thrilled to announce that our Street Outreach volunteers have been shortlisted for the Large Group Award at the 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards! A huge thank you to all our amazing Street Outreach volunteers who give up there time and are so committed to the service which is a life line to the most vulnerable people in our community.    NOVAS Street Outreach programme is volunteer run by a team of over 50 volunteers and operates seven nights a week, 365 days of the year. They provide hot meals, essential items, a kind word and someone to talk to. In 2023, over 25,000 meals were served by our Street Outreach volunteers. The service depends on volunteers and we couldn’t be happier that their hard work is being recognised at the Volunteer Ireland Awards next month.    We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and commitment, THANK YOU!!! 🤩   #VolunteerIrelandAwards #CommunitySupport #NOVAS #charity #volunteer

For the third year in a row Master Chefs are generously sponsoring the NOVAS Christmas Sleep Out. ✨🌙 20 cent from every cup of tea & coffee sold throughout December will be donated to NOVAS Master Chefs offer a diverse range of services within the sector in the areas of education, health care, sport & leisure, the high street and, of course, events. They are producers, caterers and restaurateurs. “Master Chefs continue to support NOVAS as we admire the grass roots work, they do in terms of the family unit, particularly children. We believe that no child should go to bed or school hungry & we feel a responsibility to do what we can in this area. Christmas brings a more intense focus on family; we encourage everyone to support the NOVAS Christmas Sleep Out & ensure the less fortunate in our City have something to celebrate this year”. Pat O'Sullivan, CEO at Master Chefs. Thank you so much Master Chefs for all your incredible support! ❤ Sign up via this link: https://lnkd.in/grWKNpEA #NOVAS #ChristmasSleepOut #Limerick #fundraiser #Christmas #NovasSleepOut #thankyou

In the lead-up to the General Election on November 29th, addressing the homeless crisis begins with building more housing. The housing crisis cannot wait. To tackle homelessness effectively, we must: · Build more one-bed units to create exit pathways for single people stuck in emergency accommodations. · Follow the Housing Commission Report’s recommendation to deliver 55,000 homes annually, with 20% for social, affordable, and cost-rental housing. · Reserve housing for those experiencing long-term homelessness. · Commit to ending long-term homelessness by 2030 as outlined in the Lisbon Declaration. Let’s make housing a priority this General Election. #GE24 #EndHomelessness #Housing #Election2024 #GeneralElection2024 https://lnkd.in/gyg7Tz7N

Will you host a Christmas Jumper Day in your company, school, or community group to raise much-needed funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter? Wear your Christmas Jumper this December in support of NOVAS and people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Join in the fun, spread Christmas cheer, while making a real impact. Every donation makes a massive difference and supports the most vulnerable people in your community. Find out more here https://lnkd.in/gARXkzQV and we will arrange to send you your fundraising pack too. #NOVAS #fundraiser #christmasjumperday #charity