Focus Ireland Launches Powerful “Journey Home” Photo Exhibition in Cork, Showcasing Voices of People with Lived Experience of Homelessness

Focus Ireland today (Nov 11th) officially opened Journey Home, an exhibition by the first LEAP Ambassadors, showcasing powerful photographs and stories from people with lived experience of homelessness. The exhibition runs from 11th to 14th November at Focus Ireland, 40/41 Grand Parade, Cork. * (Opening times below.)

Meanwhile, Focus Ireland said all its staff are still mourning the great loss of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy the charity’s founder who passed away last week. Speaking at the launch, Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “We are all still heartbroken at the loss of Stan and it will take some time to come to terms with it as she leaves a gap that is impossible to fill in Focus Ireland and I believe in Irish society too such was the impact she had during her incredible life.  The greatest tribute we can pay Stan is to continue her work and we will do this and always be guided by her values and spirit. We will not see her likes again that is for sure. May she rest in peace.”

Mr. Dennigan went on to welcome attendees and introduced the LEAP (Lived Experience Ambassador Programme), which was established in 2021 to empower people with lived experience of homelessness to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and influence policy and public understanding.

He said: “LEAP is at the heart of our mission to ensure that the voices of those who use our services lead the way in our work. We are proud to work alongside our ambassadors, whose skills, dignity, and humanity must always be recognised.”

The Journey Home exhibition is the result of a Photovoice project led by sociologist Dr Maria Quinlan. Using a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach, the ambassadors—Catherine Keenan, Paul Geoghegan, Kelly Ann Byrne, Scott Buckley, and Stephanie Clarke—shared their experiences through personal and found photographs. The exhibition is accompanied by a book that further explores their stories.

One standout reflection comes from LEAP Ambassador Kelly Byrne, who shared a photo of her newly done nails, saying: “This for me, I know it looks like a picture of my nails, but it is not. It is about, see the wheel, and I am in control of my life now… I have my hand firmly on the steering wheel and I am choosing where I go.”

This year marks Focus Ireland’s 40th anniversary. Rather than traditional celebrations, the organisation is reflecting on its journey and impact since 1985. As part of this, Journey Home will tour venues across Ireland, amplifying the voices of those who have experienced homelessness and have made the journey home.

Focus Ireland first began supporting people who were homeless or at risk in Cork in 2007, expanding its services over the past 18 years to meet growing needs. Today, services include Housing First, Long-Term Housing, Resettlement and Tenancy Sustainment Support, Advice and Information, Mental Health Tenancy Sustainment, and Youth Housing.  In Cork, 27 new homes were provided in the last year in partnership with the Local Authorities – contributing to a total of 78 supported homes in the Southwest region, housing 293 adults and 178 children.

Mr. Dennigan also addressed the current housing crisis, noting that record numbers of people are experiencing homelessness each month. He called for urgent action and a radical shift in housing policy, particularly in the upcoming Government Housing Plan expected this month.

He said: “In 2024, we delivered 470 homes, bringing our total to 1,700 units,” he said. “We believe homelessness can be ended—if the right policies are in place and if we continue to work together.”

The event concluded with acknowledgments to the LEAP Ambassadors, Dr Maria Quinlan, Bord Gáis Energy who support the LEAP programme and whose decade-long partnership with Focus Ireland has helped to support over 8,500 families—and the dedicated Focus Ireland team in Cork. For more information about the Journey Home exhibition and Focus Ireland’s work, visit www.focusireland.ie.

*Opening times for the Journey Home Exhibition at Focus Ireland Offices, 40/41 Grande Parade, Cork City.

November

Tuesday 11th: 2-4pm

Wednesday 12th: 10am – 12pm, and 2-4pm.

Thursday 13th: 10am – 12pm, and 2-4pm.

Friday 14th: 10am – 12pm, and 2-4pm.

Media Contact: Roughan Mac Namara, Head of Communications, Focus Ireland:  Ph: 086 85 15 117