Shining a Light on child homelessness in Waterford

Sydney (6) and Reggie Power (8) with Maia McAuliffe (11) launching Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light 2026 sleepout (supported by Sisk) which will take place on Friday, October 9th. Photo: Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The long-term damage to children living in emergency accommodation across Waterford has been highlighted by a prominent psychologist, as the countdown to Focus Ireland’s main annual fundraiser gets underway.

Shine A Light 2026 will be held on Friday, October 9^th in which school students, businesses, community groups and individuals will sleep out to raise funds to support the charity’s work.

At present, some 5,620 children in the State do not have a home and are spending their summers in emergency accommodation. There are almost 17,500 people living in emergency accommodation at present, including 105 adults in Waterford city and county.

Taking the South East into account, there are 361 adults, 79 families and 119 children in emergency spaces, with families spending, on average, a year in such accommodation – and some for much longer.  

Speaking as the promotional campaign for this year’s sleep out began, UCC’s Dr Sharon Lambert said that living in emergency accommodation during the summer may contribute to an increase in distress and the disruption of developmental milestones.

“Everything that you consider in terms of a summer and what children ought to be doing in summer is at risk of being massively disrupted because of the instability and uncertainty associated with experiencing homelessness,” said Dr Lambert, who is a Senior Lecturer in UCC’s School of Applied Psychology.

“Even very simple things that people take for granted, like a playdate or a sleepover. Children who are in homelessness accommodation cannot have their friends around to play or sleepover.”

Social and emotional development

Dr Lambert continued: “There are aspects to child development that are important, and social and emotional development often happens in the context of play and friendships. Disruptions to friendships and play can be very stressful for children. Essentially, children in homelessness could be missing out on these important developmental milestones or at least, those important developmental milestones are being disrupted.”

Focus Ireland Chief Executive Pat Dennigan said that children in Waterford being impacted by homelessness represent “a generation growing up in crisis”.

He added: “Shine A Light is a national response to a national crisis. We believe no child should have to endure the trauma of homelessness. That’s why we’re asking you to join us this October, to sleep out for Shine A Light, proudly supported by Sisk, to raise funds for services which keep people in their homes, support children in crisis, and provide pathways out of homelessness.”

Mr Dennigan said that this time of year for children experiencing homelessness can lead to “uncertainty, isolation and missing out on the moments that make childhood special”. That, in his view, is why the Shine A Light sleep out remains so significant.

“Every person who signs up and fundraises helps provide vital support for children and families experiencing homelessness,” he said. “To create opportunities for children to learn, play and simply be children. By helping parents move towards a secure place to call home.”

Vital services 

Last year, over 18,000 people were assisted by Focus Ireland through a range of housing, prevention, and family support services. This included supporting 120 families in Waterford who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Much of the family emergency accommodation in Waterford is ‘own front door’, although we do have a few families in hotel accommodation,” said Lisa O’Brien, Focus Ireland’s Head of Youth Housing Support Services in Waterford.

“We know that children in emergency accommodation settings often miss out on things like playdates and sleepovers due to strict rules. Having their own front door means that Focus Ireland staff can support parents to provide an environment where children can play and grow up safely, minimising the impact of homelessness.”

Pat Dennigan said that those sleeping out for Shine A Light are sending out a powerful message. “Ireland will not accept a future where children grow up without a home,” he said.

“Every person who takes part strengthens a nationwide movement demanding dignity, safety, and stability for every child. Sleep out for one night and help shine a light on child homelessness across Ireland.”

With sleep outs already confirmed in Cork, Limerick and Dublin, Focus Ireland is aiming to raise €1.2 million through this year’s event, as demand for the charity’s services continues to rise.

To register for this year’s event, sponsored by Sisk, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie

This report also features in the current edition of The Dungarvan Observer