Homeless experience on full display in Cork city exhibition

A photo exhibition in the city centre will this week showcase the lived experience of people who have known homelessness.

Homelessness charity Focus Ireland has officially opened Journey Home , an exhibition featuring photographs and stories from people who have experienced homelessness.

Those contributing to the exhibition are members of Focus Ireland’s Leap (lived experience ambassador programme).

The programme was established in 2021 to empower people with lived experience of homelessness to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and influence policy and public understanding.

The Journey Home exhibition is the result of a project led by sociologist 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.

Focus Ireland was founded in 1985 by the late Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, and is one of Ireland’s largest housing and homelessness organisations.

Sr Stan, as she was known across the country, passed away last week.

Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO, told the exhibition launch that the charity’s staff were heartbroken at the loss.

“Stan 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,” Mr Dennigan said.

“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 added.

Mr Dennigan said the Leap scheme was at the heart of Focus Ireland’s mission.

“We are proud to work alongside our ambassadors, whose skills, dignity, and humanity must always be recognised,” he said.

This year marks Focus Ireland’s 40th anniversary and, as part of the charity’s marking of that milestone, Journey Home will tour venues across Ireland, amplifying the voices of those who have experienced homelessness and have made the journey home.

The exhibition runs until Friday at Focus Ireland, 40 to 41 Grand Parade, Cork City.