NOVAS is urgently appealing for public support to fund a new Street Outreach van to continue serving some of the most vulnerable people in Limerick City.
Since 2010, the NOVAS Street Outreach service has operated every single night at 7.30pm on Upper William Street, providing hot meals, toiletries basic first aid, sleeping bags, and emotional support to people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, and extreme poverty.
The service, which receives no government funding, is completely volunteer-led and relies entirely on fundraising and food donations. This year alone, NOVAS has already served over 18,250 meals through the outreach van.
However, the van — purchased second-hand in 2020 — is now eight years old and has become increasingly unreliable. With wear and tear from daily use, it is struggling to meet growing demands. In recent years, the service has seen a significant rise in the number of people seeking help, with up to 50 people a night relying on it for basic needs and human connection.
“The van is essential for transporting food and supplies, but it is becoming unreliable. At times it won’t even start.” says Street Outreach Volunteer Abdulaziz.
“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.”
NOVAS is now seeking to raise €65,000 to purchase and custom-fit a new outreach van and cover operating costs for the year ahead. So far, €21,500 has been raised, but the organisation still needs to raise €43,500 to reach its goal.
A new, custom-fitted van would allow NOVAS to:
- Transport larger quantities of food
- Improve safety and comfort for volunteers
- Deliver services more efficiently and consistently
- Better meet the complex needs of those it supports
How You Can Help
We are calling on the community to help keep this vital service on the streets.
“Your donation directly fuels our ability to be there — every night — for those with nowhere else to turn. Please help us reach our target and keep this essential service running.”
