Limerick Woman Overcomes Addiction to Help Others Find Hope

Stacey Quin, a 37-year-old mother from Southill, Limerick, has transformed her life from one of addiction and homelessness to becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. At just 14 years old, she began using drugs to cope with childhood trauma. By the age of 18, Quin was addicted to heroin, pregnant, and living on the streets.

Quin’s journey through addiction led to numerous petty theft convictions. “By the time I was 18, I was hooked on heroin, doing my leaving cert, and suffering from severe physical ailments,” she recounted. Today, after seven years of sobriety, she is a dedicated mother of four and is committed to helping others reclaim their lives.

Currently in her fourth year of college studying social studies, Quin works as a support worker with the national housing charity and drug support service, **NOVAS**. On **October 10**, coinciding with **World Homeless Day**, NOVAS launched its annual report for **2024**, revealing the increasing demand for its services.

Quin highlights the pivotal role that compassion and non-judgmental support played in her recovery. “I went through years of trauma and homelessness, and things only began to change when I met people and services that didn’t judge me,” she explained. She engaged in treatment programs at **Ana Liffey** and **Coolmine**, which helped her regain control over her life.

“I learned about harm reduction, self-worth, and community,” Quin shared. These lessons were instrumental in rebuilding her confidence and recognizing her potential. Now, as a relief worker with NOVAS, she connects with service users who are battling addiction, trauma, and homelessness.

“Using my lived experience, I show them that change is possible and remind them they’re not alone,” she stated. “Working with NOVAS has shown me the power of compassion. It’s not just about providing housing — it’s about building trust, safety, and hope.”

The latest report from NOVAS revealed that the organization assisted **6,300** people in the past year, marking a **160 percent increase** over the past decade. Limerick, where NOVAS is headquartered, is among the most affected areas in the country, experiencing a surge in demand for emergency accommodation.

Una Burns, head of advocacy and communications at NOVAS, expressed concern about the rising number of individuals, particularly women, facing precarious living conditions and homelessness in Limerick. “There are about **60** people rough sleeping in Limerick City at the moment, and **38** of those are women,” she noted, emphasizing the unprecedented situation in the broader national context.

Many individuals sleeping rough have migrated to Limerick from other counties, drawn by the availability of cheaper drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin. The report indicates that among single adults entering NOVAS’s emergency accommodation in **2024**, **46 percent** came directly from other homeless services, highlighting the entrenched nature of homelessness.

Family homelessness worsened in 2024, with over **4,500** children living in temporary accommodation. NOVAS supported more than **1,400** children through various services, the highest number recorded in the organization’s history.

Ms. Burns stated that additional funding is essential to expand NOVAS’s operations, especially its street outreach service, accommodation for vulnerable women, and trauma-informed services for those struggling with addiction.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by NOVAS across multiple regions, including Limerick, Dublin, and Cork, the organization successfully housed **1,419** people in **2024** and provided emergency accommodation to those in acute need.

In light of these statistics, Burns remains optimistic. “The statistics are grim, but we are a wealthy country, and we can solve homelessness with the right policies and will. Stacey’s story is an inspiration to all of us,” she remarked.

Quin herself embodies this message of hope. “I was a person who was literally living on the streets, and now, being able to work and pay rent, while giving back to those who use services like I did, is a good feeling,” she reflected. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery and reintegration into society are indeed possible.