OPINION: A committed social justice champion and advocate for the homeless

THE death of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, a fearless advocate of social justice and campaigner for the homeless and the vulnerable, was greeted with deep sadness across Irish society on Monday.

Sr Stan, as she was affectionately known, founded Focus Ireland, as it is now called, a body which has championed the rights of the homeless.

When the Kerry woman founded the organisation in the 1980s she predicted that the issue of homelessness would be largely solved within a decade. Unfortunately the problem has intensified in recent years as many people are frozen out of the housing market.

Sr Stan was a member of the Religious Sister of Charity.

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Leading the tributes, the President, Michael D. Higgins, described her as "a deeply committed campaigner for the vulnerable and marginalised in our society, and a fearless advocate for human rights and equality."

"Telling the truth of inequality required a woman of immense courage and vision. She was that. I had the privilege of meeting with her on many occasions over the years. On each occasion, she demonstrated the generosity of spirit, integrity and immense strength of character that defined her life’s work."

President Higgins observed that Sr Stan’s contribution to Irish society is profound.

"From her work as the first chair of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty in the 1970s to her pioneering work with homeless women in Dublin leading to the founding of Focus Ireland in the 1980s, she has provided immeasurable support to those facing poverty and homelessness.

"Her founding of The Sanctuary to provide meditation and spiritual space in Dublin in the 1990s showed a special insight while through her establishment of the Immigrant Council of Ireland in the 2000s, and so many more initiatives besides which followed, Sister Stan for decades provided practical support and action for so many."

Beyond her immediate work, Sister Stan’s many books and writings provided a further source of policy, inspiration, solace and support for so many.

She will be greatly missed as an iconic figure on social justice and care.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also paid tribute to Sr Stan, describing her as a "passionate advocate for helping those in need".

"I met her many times over the years and always admired her tireless advocacy and her ability to inform policy. She had great energy. She was a true Christian who dedicated her life to helping those on the margins."

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CEO of the Irish Council for Social Housing, Donal McManus says Sr Stan has been a guiding light for the housing and homelessness sector:

“With her insights into the needs of homeless households, Sr Stan made a huge contribution as a member of the ICSH Board during the 1980s and 1990s, helping to expand the capacity and expertise of the approved housing body sector.

“Speaking at one of our earliest conferences in 1987 - which was designated the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless - she said that society’s perception of homeless people has determined the responses to their situation, with separate hostels and shelters being built, keeping homeless households on the periphery of society. Pointing to the need for a change of attitude, Sr Stan called for comprehensive research into the nature and the extent of homelessness in Ireland and a White Paper on housing policy to ensure equity in the provision of housing."

Sr Stan established Focus Point in 1985 as an information and support centre for homeless households. The organisation subsequently evolved into two separate entities: Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association. Focus Housing Association is one of our largest approved housing body members, supporting individuals and families in more than 1,700 homes across Ireland. In line with Sr Stan’s vision, it also promotes the Meascán housing model, an ‘intentional social mix of tenants’ that includes general needs tenants and those with lived experience of homelessness who require additional support.