Limerick homeless charity receiving hundreds of requests for help each day

A LIMERICK-based homeless charity has said it is receiving 250 to 300 requests for help each day.

In launching the Mid-West Regional Annual Appeal on Sunday, November 27, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) Mid-West said that calls for help this year have significantly increased.

The Regional President Teresa Ryan said the fact that the society has received more calls for help than at any other time and still manage to provide help is testimony to the "dedication of its volunteers and staff and the incredible support of the public."

Launching this year’s SVP Annual Appeal entitled “Impossible Choices”, Teresa Ryan, SVP Mid-West Regional President, said: "despite the additional cost-of-living support payments made by the government, there are many people who are struggling to meet basic family expenses."

Last year, there were a record-breaking 14,006 (Jan – Nov) requests for help received at regional offices. This year, 16,673 requests have already been received, a 19% increase on the same time in 2021. 

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"We are very worried that many of these families will continue to struggle into next year," she added.

Ms Ryan stressed that those hardest hit include one parent-families, low-income workers; households on fixed social welfare incomes; low-income households in rural areas; people with disabilities and their carers.

They are all facing impossible choices this Christmas and into the new year, she highlighted. For this reason, SVP are seeking donations to help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children get a decent Christmas.

"They are all facing impossible choices this Christmas and into the new year. That is why we are seeking donations to help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children get a decent Christmas," she added.

Donations can be made at SVP.ie or by phoning: 0818 176 176 (ROI)