Stunning makeover completed at Oaklodge Mid West Simon Community for homeless men by Limerick Designer Tullio Orlandi

Oaklodge Mid West Simon Community makeover – Pictured above are Natallia Rossi, manager of DFS Limerick, Tullio Orlandi, interior designer and Jackie Leonard, head of fundraising Mid West Simon. Picture: Don Moloney

Oaklodge Mid West Simon Community provides emergency accommodation for men who are experiencing homelessness in the region

As part of its commitment to support local communities, furniture retailer DFS has worked with Tullio Orlandi to help deliver a stunning makeover at Oaklodge, a home to 50 men who are experiencing homelessness. Run by Mid West Simon Community, Oaklodge provides emergency accommodation for men who are experiencing homelessness in the region and this new space will provide residents with a warm and welcoming place to relax in a supportive environment.

Jackie Bonfield, CEO of  Mid-West Simon, said, “Oaklodge Mid West Simon Community 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. 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.”

She continued, “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 have provided emergency and transitional accommodation to over 750 individual people and permanent accommodation to over 200 people.  

“This Oaklodge Mid West Simon Community 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. We continue to appeal for funds and ask people to continue to support us in whatever way they can. Thanks also to our funders the HSE, Limerick County Council and DSP who help us greatly.”

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.”

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