Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs to hear from Focus Ireland on the impact of Homelessness on Children

Representatives from Focus Ireland will appear before the Committee.  Focus Ireland works with people, who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes across Ireland, and helps families, young people and children at risk or affected by homelessness.

Focus Ireland was originally founded by Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy. Sr. Stan was involved in a research project into the lives of homeless women in Dublin when she realised the importance of involving people who are, or have been, directly affected by homelessness in the development of homelessness services.

In advance of the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Deputy Alan Farrell, TD said: “Since its foundation Focus Ireland has continued to grow, and its research and advocacy work ensures that the rights of people who are homeless remain on the political agenda. In addition to its Dublin projects, it now has services and housing projects across Ireland, including in Waterford, Kilkenny, Cork, Sligo and Limerick.”

Deputy Farrell concluded: “We, as a State, have a responsibility to protect all our children in every manner possible. This includes the 3,794 children who are experiencing homelessness. Focus Ireland is to the fore when it comes to preventing people from experiencing homelessness, and helping those experiencing homelessness to exit emergency accommodation. We look forward to hearing about the insight and expertise of Focus Ireland regarding the impact of homelessness on children.”

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