About Us

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, 1939-2025

‘We all know, in our hearts, what a home means. It is more than shelter; it is safety, stability and the foundation for a good life. For children, it is where they grow and thrive. For adults, it is the base from which everything else becomes possible.’

Founded in 1985 by Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, affectionately known as Sr Stan, Focus Ireland grew from her simple but powerful belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.

Since those early days in the Focus Ireland Coffee Shop in Dublin’s Temple Bar, we have grown into a national charity, now working from Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford to support communities across Ireland.

Every day, our teams work directly with people who are homeless or at risk – helping them secure housing, supporting them to keep it, and giving them the tools to rebuild their lives with confidence. A big part of our work is prevention, stepping in early to support people before they lose their home, because we know this approach works and avoids putting people through the trauma of homelessness.

Whether it’s finding a home for a family, supporting a young person back into education, or standing up for better housing solutions, everything we do is focused on creating real, lasting change.

Prevention works and your support makes it happen.

Shine A Light funds frontline services that help individuals and families stay in their homes and avoid emergency accommodation. We offer advice on keeping tenancies, understanding housing options, finding long‑term homes, and accessing essential services. Our team is trained to ensure everyone knows their rights and gets the support they need.

Coffee Shop

Serving hot, healthy meals every day of the year — and offering a warm welcome, support, and hope to anyone who walks through our doors.

Aftercare

Turning 18 shouldn’t mean losing support. Our aftercare team stays with young people as they step into adulthood, offering guidance, housing, and a steady hand.

Caretakers

No child should have to figure life out solo. The Caretakers Project supports under‑18s with no alternative care, giving them stability, safety, and a path out of homelessness.

Extension

You help create a safe, youth‑focused space for 18–26‑year‑olds at risk of homelessness. It’s a place to get one‑to‑one support, build confidence, and reconnect with community.

Mediation

We provide a mediation service on behalf of Tusla, supporting under‑18s and their families to rebuild relationships and avoid homelessness.