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Newry Helping the Homeless and The Larder Foodbank are two local voluntary groups who have been working tirelessly in the background for several years now to help the needy and homeless in Newry. This is the first of a series of articles we hope will help you find out a little about homelessness in Newry and what is being done and can be done to help. The cost of living crisis leading to families not being able to afford essentials is inextricably linked.
The Larder had just got properly established when Covid 19 came along and it is now finding more people than ever need help. The organisation wouldn't exist without the support of the local community and local businesses who donate items. The volunteers dispense foodstuffs, toiletries, clothing etc to the homeless and those in need from their city centre premises as well as providing ready cooked meals to the homeless.
David McCaul from The Larder says they are trying to focus on getting as much food in as possible at present. "Normally at this time of the year we would have put out a shoebox appeal to all the schools but we found that there were classmates competing against one another so this year we are having a ton bag in the school or business and people can put in whatever they have." he said.
They operate with a voucher scheme via Housing Executive, PIPS Help and Support and Citizens Advice and others. These organisations are in a good position to know who needs help and they can direct them to The Larder. McCaul though stresses that they cater for everyone and anyone in need at their St Marys Street premises and will not turn anyone away. "Help in the form of food and clothing is available to anyone who needs it." he said adding "If anybody does call here, they don't leave empty handed"
The large premises are filled with clothes, foodstuffs, toiletries and other items but they are constantly needing renewed stock. Currently they have also an area for childrens toys with Christmas just around the corner.
In other years they organised a shoebox appeal in local schools but noticed that it had the capacity to be quite competitive, and with many families finding it very difficult this year to make ends meet themselves they decided on just leaving a one ton bag to be filled at the school. Local businesses including Norbrook also collect for the group at Christmas. Supermarkets also collect and donate produce.
The organisations have around 20 volunteers working between The Larder and with Newry Helping the Homeless. Volunteers regularly journey to O'Connell Street, Dublin to help out there. Currently Newry city has several people sleeping in shop doorways as well as tents. This year has already been quite difficult but all are very aware that next year might be even more challenging with the cost of living crisis taking hold.
Donate
If you would like to help The Larder the best thing is to donate items, with a concentration on dried foods, toiletries, womens products nappies etc. If you can donate heating tokens, coal or blocks, electricity or vouchers for shopping centres they also would be much appreciated. Pop up tents are also very much in demand.
You can also donate using paypal address NewryHelpingTheHomeless@gmail.com
Also feel free to call in to The Larder at St Marys Street, BT34 2AA or contact Stella on 074 7767 0575 if you want to find out what is urgently needed or how you can help.
Check out their Facebook page at The Larder Newry
Opening Times
The Larder is open Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm and on a Saturday night they hand out meals.
