Mayor Launches Powerful Focus Ireland “Journey Home” Photo Exhibition in Waterford, Showcasing Voices of People with Lived Experience of Homelessness
The Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan today (Nov 18th) officially opened the Focus Ireland Journey Home exhibition which showcases powerful photographs and stories from people with lived experience of homelessness. The exhibition runs at the Index Gallery, Waterford Central Library from 2pm Tues 18th until Sat Nov 22nd as part of Focus Ireland’s events to mark our 40th Anniversary.
Meanwhile, Focus Ireland said all its staff are still mourning the great loss of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy the charity’s founder who passed away earlier this month. 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.
Speaking at the event the Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan said: “This is more than an exhibition—it is a powerful statement about community, resilience, and the shared responsibility we all have to ensure that every person has a place to call home. Waterford is a city with a proud history and a vibrant future, but like every community in Ireland, we face challenges. Housing need and homelessness are two of the most pressing issues of our time.”
“Behind every statistic is a person—a mother, a father, a child—whose life has been disrupted by circumstances often beyond their control. Today’s exhibition reminds us that homelessness is not just about housing; it is about dignity, security, and hope. The Journey Home exhibition gives voice to those experiences. Through art, photography, and storytelling, it invites us to see the human side of homelessness. It challenges us to move beyond headlines and numbers and to truly understand the journeys people take—the struggles, but also the courage and determination to rebuild their lives. “
Also speaking at the event Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan 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 began supporting people who were homeless or at risk in Waterford in 2000 and has since expanded services across five southeast counties, offering long-term, short-term, emergency housing, tenancy support, youth housing, aftercare, and advice services.
Key programs include Grange Cohan, which underwent upgrades in 2019; Youth Housing, providing outreach and support for young people, with a focus on relationship-building in 2025; and the START program, supporting individuals with mental health challenges through secure tenancies and personalised assistance, highlighted by a 2025 exhibition in Waterford Library showcasing participant experiences. Focus Ireland works in partnership with local politicians, authorities, supporters, and the State to provide much needed support and housing in the county and further afield.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dennigan went on to say that Focus Ireland welcomed the Government’s new housing plan but stressed that its success will be judged on results after years of missed targets. The charity said it appreciated the inclusion of evidence-based policies we have long advocated for and are committed to working with the Minister, Department, and local authorities to achieve its goals, while insisting on real action.
Key commitments include a €100 million fund in 2026 to help families and children out of homelessness, new legislation for the Best Interests of the Child, increased delivery of one- and four-bed homes and prioritising new social housing for those experiencing homelessness. In 2024, Focus Ireland delivered 470 homes across Ireland, bringing our total to 1,700 units, and we strongly believe that homelessness can be ended with the right policies and collaboration.
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 Waterford. For more information about the Journey Home exhibition and Focus Ireland’s work, visit www.focusireland.ie.
Media Contact: Roughan Mac Namara, Head of Communications, Focus Ireland: Ph: 086 85 15 117