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National housing and homeless charity NOVAS have appointed a new CEO. Following the retirement of the incumbent, Una Deasy has been appointed to lead the organisation. With its Head Office in Limerick City, Novas is the largest provider of homeless services in the Mid-West and also delivers supports in Cork, Kerry and Dublin. Last year the organisation worked with more 5,000 people.

Prior to Novas, Una was part of the Saint Vincent de Paul’s Homeless Services Senior Management team, supporting and developing residential and outreach services across the country. Una has a range of experience in the private sector and not-for-profit organisations including Trócaire, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Amazon and Apple, leading projects and people in a range of areas. Una holds a Masters in Learning and Development, a Diploma in Management and Employee Relations and is completing Postgraduate studies in Innovation.

Una explains that, “for me, leading the organisation to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our communities with a trauma informed, person-centered approach is critical. We want to efficiently and creatively provide excellent care to our clients and tenants and build sustainable futures with them.’ She acknowledges the huge challenges that face the sector, noting ‘the unprecedented cost of living combined with the dearth in long-term housing has resulted in more people than ever seeking our support. We, as an organisation, are ready to play our part in creating sustainable solutions to the crisis in collaboration with our partners in government. We commit to creating services that are agile to the evolving needs of our clients.’

Una assumed her new position in February 2022 and looks forwards to strategically leading NOVAS in the coming years and to creating lasting solutions to homelessness.