The founder of Focus Ireland says that the methods in combating long term homelessness haven’t improved since the organisation was founded in 1985.
Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy says over the decades, the state has failed to provide enough social and affordable housing, leaving it up to the private sector.
The organisation are today launching their new office space in Sligo Town at 2 Wine Street having first opened an office in April 2007.
Figures from Focus Ireland’s website show that there are 75 adults homeless across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal with 1,616 on a local authority waiting list for a house.
CEO of Focus Ireland, Sligo native Pat Dennigan says it ‘fills him with pride’ to see the work already done in Sligo over the last 14 years.
Speaking to OceanFM News ahead of today’s launch, Sr. Stan says long term homelessness hasn’t been properly addressed in decades.
Sr. Stan is also encouraging people to take part in their virtual Shine a Light campaign this October.
Each year, people sleep outside in rough conditions as a show of solidarity with those who are homeless.
This year, Sr. Stan is asking people to take part virtually.
