A Limerick grandmother has been left homeless after her landlord decided to sell her rented accommodation.
Helen McInerney, 53, said she never thought she would become homeless, having lived contentedly in her rented accommodation in the Corbally area of Limerick for years with her daughter and grandchildren.
She became homeless 15 months ago when her landlord sold the property.
She was paying over €900 a month for her rented home and simply could not access anywhere to live.
She ended up living with her daughter and grandchildren first in a hotel for six months, and is now living in a bedroom at Phoenix Lodge, emergency accommodation provided by the housing and homeless organisation Novas, which is based in Limerick.
"It's just heartbreaking being separated from my family - that is without doubt the most difficult aspect of this new life I find myself in.
"They are now living in a family hub, and I am here in this one bedroom. Visitors are not allowed, nor are they allowed in the family hub, so I now meet my daughter and grandkids on the street in Limerick.
"Becoming homeless was something I never ever thought would happen to me.
"I was living happily in my rented home for over a decade, looking forward to another grandchild on the way, and our lives were just completely turned upside down, when homelessness knocked on my door.
"If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody. I am now one of the homeless statistics, something that I never thought I would be.
"But these are the real stories out there behind the homeless crisis. I just now live from day to day with hope. Hope that I will get my own home back again with my family around me."
Ms McInerney is one of the 6,088 people helped by Novas, and yet she is not their typical client. They provide supports to people who find themselves homeless, who have experienced addiction and mental health issues.
Una Burns, who is advocacy and communication officer with Novas said Ms McInerney's case is an indication of how difficult the housing crisis has become.
"She was living happily, with no issues, not needing our supports, and yet homelessness has, as she said come to her door," Ms Burns said.
As Novas launched their annual report she said the biggest challenge is the slowdown in the amount of clients they can help, as more and more people are spending longer periods in emergency accommodation.
"Normally the stay in emergency accommodation is around six months, after which we try and help people move on.
"But the contraction in private rented accommodation means more and more people are staying much longer, blocking new clients from accessing services.
"And the longer people stay in emergency accommodation, the more difficult their lives, their mental health and wellbeing and ability to live independent lives becomes," she said.
"For instance, eight years ago our main shelter in Limerick supported more than 200 clients in a year helping them to move onto long-term accommodation. Last year the same shelter accommodated just 80 clients, so long-term accommodation is becoming a long-term aspiration."
The organisation has just refurbished eight one-bed apartments in two Georgian buildings in Limerick city.
Roy Finn, who has been in and out of homeless services for 20 years, is one of the first tenants to secure his own home there.
"It was like winning the Lotto, when I saw the place and heard I was getting one of the apartments.
"It's located in the city centre, is quiet and safe. I love to cook and I can finally live independently in my own secure apartment, and with secure tenancy. It is just brilliant, and I am so grateful to Novas for helping me," he said.
