‘What Home Means to Me’ Exhibition launches in Sligo City Hall
Representatives of Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association, the Approved Housing Body (AHB) arm of Focus Ireland, Sligo Co. Council gathered in Sligo City Hall alongside community partners Tusla Aftercare, and Springboard to celebrate their partnership and community work with families and individuals in Sligo for over 18 years.
The event marks Focus Ireland’s 40th Anniversary and to honour their work and tenants, Focus Ireland commissioned local artist Andy Parsons, to cultivate their tenants in creating some special artwork to convey their lived experience of homelessness and what having a home really means to each of them and their loved ones. The work was created under the theme ‘What Home Means to Me’
Mary Jameson, Manager of Sligo Housing services said “Andy was the obvious choice of artist to work with our tenants and staff in conveying the impact of our services that supports so many people and families in finding and sustaining a home.
Mary further added, “Andy’s work centres around community, focuses on people and places, and on activities where people work together to help each other. These are the same core values of dignity, inclusivity, safety, quality, and empowerment that Focus Ireland and our community partners enveloped to guide how we serve families and individuals in our roles.” She continued: “We see daily what support and advice can achieve for a person or family in need.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland – “This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th anniversary, however, we don’t see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation.
This month’s recent Department of Housing figures show that a total of 16,058 people including over 5,000 children are currently homeless in Ireland today. Homelessness has nearly doubled (98%) in 4 years from 8,132 people homeless in July 2021 to 16,058 in July this year. “Back in 2007 Focus Housing Association’s collaboration with Sligo Co. Council and community partners began with a shared goal to build communities that ensured people had a safe and secure home, as well as connection to communities that cares and looks out for each other. These are shocking numbers and behind these Department of Housing numbers are real people and children.
Therefore, Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association, the housing arm of Focus Ireland is calling for immediate action from the Government to build newer social and affordable rental housing
Including the funding for the redevelopment and management of older properties as a further solution to homelessness prevention as so many in society are struggling right now to keep a roof over their heads due to rising rents, landlords leaving the market, and many other issues. Include the expansion and streamline of the Tenant-in-Situ scheme to end no-fault evictions. As well as the urgent reform of the HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) to help protect the almost 54,000 households who rely on the payment to sustain their home.
He continued, “We feel our core values of dignity, respect, are more crucial than ever as we confront the growing challenges, and we must continue to work together because we can’t end homelessness alone.
People should draw inspiration from todays’ art showcased from our tenants that conveys a lived experience that no one should have to face and go through. Focus Ireland will continue to campaign and influence government to do better, drawing on the expertise and experience of our services for those who use them, to change policy and services to help change lives.
