Limerick charity launches fundraiser as vital van is 'no longer fit for purpose'

NOVAS is appealing for donations from the public to help the charity purchase a new van for its Street Outreach programme.

“We are in urgent need of a new van,” a spokesperson for the homelessness charity said.

The current van was bought second hand in 2020 and has been in use daily since then. 

Now eight years old, it has received plenty of wear and tear and has become “unreliable”, causing some issues and showing its age, the spokesperson added.

“It is not ideal for the volunteers in terms of serving food and it lacks a functional interior layout.”

“The service has dramatically changed in the past 5 years,” the statement continued, “we are seeing a significant increase in people attending (up to 50 people a night) looking for support and people are presenting more desperate than ever before.”

A post shared by the charity on LinkedIn stated: “Every single night, 365 days a year, the NOVAS Street Outreach Van serves as a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness in Limerick City — offering hot meals, toiletries, access to sleeping bags and staff and volunteers to talk to.

“But after years of daily use, our van is no longer fit for purpose. Demand is growing fast — and we need a new, custom-fitted van to keep showing up and to see us well into the future.”

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The Street Outreach service has been in operation since 2010 and has provided over 18,250 meals this year so far. 

It receives no government funding and relies entirely on volunteers, donated food and fundraising. 

NOVAS is planning on investing in a new, custom-fitted van this year, allowing the charity to transport larger quantities of food and streamline its service operations. 

This upgrade does not come cheaply, though.

“The total cost of the new van as well as a custom fitout inside and outside and operating it for the year ahead will come to approximately €65,000,” the NOVAS spokesperson confirmed. 

“So far, we have already raised €21,500 but we need your help to reach our goal.”

With €43,500 needed to reach the target at time of writing, the public is encouraged to donate to this cause online at novas.ie.

“Your donation will help us stay on the streets, delivering hope and help every night.”