Single adults experiencing homelessness are spending an average of more than 10 months in emergency accommodation, according to the 2025 Annual Report from Novas.
The average stay across Novas emergency homeless accommodation was 307 nights last year, with more than 80% of people entering its services coming from either another homeless service or directly from rough sleeping.
Almost half - 48% - came directly from rough sleeping, with that proportion highest in Limerick. Just 1% came from stable private rented or social housing.
The charity said the figures highlight the growing pressure on emergency accommodation, with people staying longer as access to suitable housing and move-on options becomes more limited. It means fewer places are available for people newly experiencing homelessness.
For Tony, who has been homeless for the past eight months following the breakdown of a relationship, finding somewhere to sleep can depend on what is available on any given night.
If he does not get a bed in a hostel in the city, he said he sometimes sleeps in at UHL or at Colbert Railway Station. "I just take what I can," he said.
He said Novas has helped him with practical matters including paperwork, medical care and advice.
"It's hard. I take each day as it comes," he said.
Tony hopes to secure a full-time hostel place, return to work and eventually find permanent accommodation. A chef by trade, he said getting back to work is part of his plan for moving forward.
Novas supported 6,211 people across its services in 2025, including 1,417 children.
While that was down slightly from 6,300 people the previous year, the charity said the reduction does not represent a fall in need, with people remaining in emergency accommodation for longer.
Emergency accommodation becoming long-term reality
Interim CEO and Head of Advocacy and Communications at Novas Una Burns said emergency accommodation was intended to provide short-term support but was becoming a much longer-term reality for many people.
She said housing was central to providing a pathway out of homelessness, adding that investment in housing, prevention and support was needed to reduce the time people spend without a home.
The report also highlighted the continued pressure on families, with 5,188 children living in emergency accommodation nationally at the end of 2025.
Novas supported 1,417 children across its services and housing, while 757 children were living in secure Novas tenancies by the end of the year.
The charity added that 24 homes to its housing stock during 2025, providing homes for an additional 26 adults and 18 children.
By the end of the year, Novas had 364 housing units providing secure tenancies for 1,463 adults and children across Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Kerry and Dublin.
For those living with homelessness, the support provided by Novas can extend beyond accommodation.
'They're someone's family member'
Volunteers provide food, hot drinks, clothing and practical assistance through its outreach services in Limerick.
The street outreach programme serves hot meals provided by the Greenhills Hotel in Limerick, and scones and pastries from the Hook & Ladder restaurant.
Volunteer Keith Ellis, who has been involved with Novas for five years, said between 50 and 60 people can use the street outreach service on a typical night.
"They’re not a statistic. They’re someone’s family member. They’re a neighbour, they’re a parent that has chosen to feed a child or secure rent for that month and maybe just struggling themselves," he said.
Fellow volunteer Liam Quinn said the experience has shown him the resilience of people using the service.
"It’s a privilege to get to come in and meet the service users here. It’s more than just food they need, they like to talk to you," he said.
Novas said its focus remains on preventing homelessness where possible, reducing the length of time people spend in emergency accommodation and creating pathways into secure, long-term housing.
