Top designer helps develop women's-only space at Limerick homeless shelter

STAFF at homelessness charity Novas have transformed what was a former storage area in Limerick's McGarry House into a communal space for women.

The space in the facility, located at St Alphonsus Street is now a secure space to help women who have experienced homelessness in the city, along with being very bulnerable.

The new space is the first of its kind within the Limerick project and is much needed according to the charity.

The transformation has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of furniture and accessories by furniture retailer DFS.

The project has also benefited from the expertise of interior designer Joanne Mooney, who has been instrumental in ensuring the room's design promotes a calming and feminine atmosphere.

Joanne, who has 108,000 Instagram followers expressed her enthusiasm for the project.

"It's incredibly fulfilling to be part of such a meaningful initiative. Creating a safe, beautiful space where these women can feel at ease is so important. I hope this transformation brings them a sense of comfort and peace," she said.

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Novas chief executive Una Deasy said: "This new communal space is a vital addition to McGarry House. It provides our female clients with a much-needed sanctuary.

"Most women who experience homelessness have also experienced gender and domestic-based violence in their lives, so having a female-only space helps to foster safety and engagement and helps our clients to address their trauma in a supportive environment.

"We are immensely grateful to DFS, Joanne Mooney and the other suppliers for their support and generosity. This makeover, though in a small space, has the potential to make a huge impact on the lives of these vulnerable women."