NaasPoint

NaasPoint – Supporting Our Community

In April 2019, a small group of Naas parishioners came together to explore how we, as a parish, could respond meaningfully to the growing homelessness crisis in our locality. While almost everyone is aware of this issue, it quickly became clear that homelessness has many faces and complex causes:

  • Some individuals are homeless due to psychiatric or addiction problems.
  • Others face sudden financial difficulties or dramatic life changes.
  • Non-nationals may lack the support networks of family and friends.
  • Many become caught in spirals of poverty that lead to homelessness.

 

Recognising these diverse challenges, NaasPoint was established in September 2019, with an overall committee and three specialised subcommittees — each dedicated to a particular service area to best support those most in need within our parish.

Our Mission

We are the community of Naas Parish responding to human needs by offering welcome, hospitality, respect, and encouragement — promoting the dignity and fundamental rights of each person in need.

Food Support & Essential Supplies

Since our inception, NaasPoint has developed strong partnerships with local Tesco, Dunne’s Stores, Lidl, and Aldi through the FoodCloud Scheme. Food received is always in good condition but close to its expiry date on the day of collection.

Our volunteers collect and distribute food on scheduled days and evenings throughout the week to homeless, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals in our community.

We also supply:

  • Ambient food and water
  • Toiletries and clothing (New clothing only)
  • Fuel and other essential household items

 

In addition to direct purchases, many of these items are generously donated by local businesses and parishioners. They are stored in two insulated containers located at Ballycane Church car park, allowing us to keep emergency food on hand and buy in bulk at better prices.

Clothes Bank

Unfortunately, NaasPoint is not in a position to accept second-hand clothes directly. However, there is a NaasPoint clothes bank located in the Ballycane Church car park. All clothes deposited in the clothes bank generate a donation per kilo, which goes directly towards purchasing essential items for those in need.

Additional Supports

NaasPoint also assists beneficiaries with:

  • Housing applications
  • PPSN and Medical Card applications
  • Various other essential services

 

We also operate a telephone support service, offering friendship and regular contact for those who live alone — ensuring that no one in our community feels forgotten.

How You Can Help

We are always seeking ways to source more food supplies, particularly breakfast cereals and other non-perishable items, such as:

  • Canned vegetables and fruits
  • Canned proteins
  • Soups and tea bags
  • Spaghetti and pasta sauces (including curry sauces)
  • Jams and sugar

 

Drop-off Locations (Working Hours)

  • Parish Office, Sallins Road — 9:30am to 5:00pm (Mon–Fri)
  • Parish Office, Ballycane Church — 10:00am to 1:00pm (Mon–Fri)

 

Outside working hours:

NaasPoint also gratefully accepts monetary donations, which help us provide vital support to vulnerable individuals and families in our community.

Volunteers:

If you are in a position to volunteer with NaasPoint or would like to find out more, please contact the Parish Office – details below.

Together, we can make a real difference.

NaasPoint Committee: Sean Campbell (Secretary), Catherine Feeney, Ann Harney (Treasurer), Tom Keightley (Chairman), Fr. Liam Morgan PP, Fr. Robert Petrisor – PRO, Catherine Whelan,

 

Contact: Naas Parish Office, Sallins Road, Naas, County Kildare
T: 045 879 730. E: [email protected]