McGarry House
McGarry House in Limerick (formerly known as Bridgeland House) was opened in 2002 and became the country’s first low-threshold, direct access emergency facility. It has subsequently reduced the incidence of rough sleeping in the city. Completely refurbished in 2012, McGarry House now provides temporary supported accommodation for 30 men and women who find themselves homeless in Limerick City.
It is a low threshold facility, operating a harm reduction policy. It is home to some of society’s most marginalised and socially excluded individuals: those engaged in alcohol and drug misuse, victims of sexual and physical violence and individuals with challenging behaviour and mental health issues. McGarry House does not put barriers in place and accepts clients as they are. The project does not have a curfew and offers service on a twenty-four hour basis. It accepts self-referrals and referrals from external agencies, including the Limerick Homeless Persons Centre.
When clients arrive, the staff make an initial assessment and offer temporary accommodation. The person is subsequently referred to the service/s best suited to their individual needs. ‘Key- working’ and individualised care plans underpins the care policy of all residents at McGarry House.
McGarry House also provides long term supported accommodation for 37 residents in one, two and three bed apartments. This facility provides individuals with a degree of independent living, while offering supports and life-skills programmes where required. This service reflects the model of housing endorsed in the recent homeless policy statement issued by Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan.
The Mid-West Community Detox Programme is also run from McGarry House, and is one of many services offered to residents.
McGarry House also provides a Cold Weather Service that ensures no one is refused entry to the service during particularly cold spells, even if all beds are occupied.
For further information on McGarry House, please contact:
Project Manager, Monica Wachala on 061 467480 or monica.wachala@novas.ie.
