mid west simon community with the nurture chair

mid west simon community with mina chair

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A stunning community area makeover to support men experiencing homelessness

As one of Ireland’s largest furniture retailers, at DFS, we think everyone deserves to have a comfortable space to call home. That’s why we were proud to team up with Limerick interior designer Tullio Orlandi to help deliver a stunning makeover and create a refreshed, welcoming community area at Oaklodge - a home to 50 men who are experiencing homelessness.

About Oaklodge

Run by Mid West Simon Community, Oaklodge provides emergency accommodation for men who are experiencing homelessness in the region. Within Oaklodge, they have capacity to support vulnerable men across the local community, with 50 emergency beds for men and 10 transitional accommodation pods.

“Unfortunately, we now have record numbers of homeless people in Ireland. The latest count of 11,542 people in emergency accommodation was the highest number ever recorded. Last year, we provided emergency and transitional accommodation to over 750 individual people and permanent accommodation to over 200 people.” - Jackie Bonfield, CEO of Mid-West Simon

A sense of community is really important at places like Oaklodge, and communal spaces provide a key space for residents to relax, socialise and feel at home. While there was plenty of potential in the space, the community area at Oaklodge was tired and in clear need of renovation - but with budgets tight, there wasn’t any spare cash for making over this large space. DFS was honoured to take on this project, teaming up with leading designer Tullio Orlandi to refresh and refurnish this space - providing residents with a warm and welcoming place to relax in a supportive environment.

Jackie Bonfield, CEO of Mid-West Simon, said, “Oaklodge is home to 50 men who are experiencing homelessness, and improving the communal spaces and environment for them here is life changing for our clients. This makeover will make a real difference to men experiencing homelessness in our region, and we are so appreciative of Tullio, DFS and all the suppliers who made this happen. Mid West Simon relies on the generosity of the public for projects like this and is so appreciative of the support that Tullio, DFS, and the other suppliers have given us, to make this a welcoming space and a real home for the men living here.”

The community area at Oaklodge has been completely transformed from top to bottom, creating a welcoming, cosy space for the residents to enjoy. The large room has been proportioned into cosy areas, using a selection of jewel-toned DFS sofas, ottomans and armchairs, ideal for socialising in small or large groups. With a gorgeous, grown-up colour palette, the space feels more like an elegant lounge than a community area - helping the residents to feel respected, empowered and truly at home.

Award winning local designer Tullio Orlandi said, “As a designer I really believe that your space has a strong bearing on how you feel, so this project has been very important to me. People experiencing homelessness deserve an opportunity to get back on their feet in a warm, welcoming and relaxing environment. Your home environment impacts your physical and mental health and has the ability to boost your mood and how you feel. I hope that the space in Oaklodge will provide just that for some of the most vulnerable people in our society, so I am so proud to have collaborated with some great suppliers here in Limerick. Thanks to DFS, Fleetwood paint, Curtains Direct, our volunteer painters from Cook Medical/Northern Trust/Axa Partners, LK Flooring, Trade Electric and all who supported us with this project.”

Natalia Rossi, Manager of DFS Limerick based on the Ballysimon Road said, “DFS is honoured to have supported this makeover for Mid West Simon. We truly understand the benefits and importance of a comfortable home and so sponsoring this project and giving back to the local community in Limerick in this way has been a real privilege.

“Anyone who walks through the door of Oaklodge can see immediately what a special place it is. We were delighted to provide several sofas and chairs that can now be used by the residents as places to relax, catch up, and feel at home. Thanks to the amazing team here who do such important work, Tullio Orlandi and all the other suppliers from the community who worked with us.”

Find out more about Mid West Simon Community

Mid West Simon Community supports individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing difficulties. They offer emergency accommodation - including the provision at Oaklodge - transitional housing, permanent housing, tenancy sustainment and support, advice, information, and advocacy. Mid West Simon Community is under the umbrella of Simon Communities of Ireland but is run and funded completely independently. They are a local charity and all funds raised in the Mid West Region stay in the Mid West region.

For more information or to pledge your support, visit https://www.midwestsimon.ie/donate/