"Dublin now has more people sleeping rough than (the UK cities of) Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford and Nottingham combined."

Focus Ireland works to relieve homelessness and to ensure that everyone's right to a home is realised.

Since its creation in 1985 by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Focus Ireland has continuously expanded its services.

Commencing operations as a research group studying the plight of homeless women, the group began in 1988 to provide low-rent, long-term housing in Dublin for those who would otherwise find it difficult to set up house on their own.

Focus Ireland is now established nationwide in Ireland with housing developments in Limerick and Waterford.

The organisation believes that the homeless have a right to be treated with respect. The group tries not only to help people to find and make a home but also to restore their self-respect and sense of dignity.

Focus Ireland attempts to respond quickly to people's needs to prevent them from getting trapped in the cycle of homelessness, which can be very difficult to break.

Each year VISION Trust organises an annual art sale, the proceeds of which go in full to Focus Ireland and its Community Settlement Service.

In the past, the money raised has been used to develop services at the Focus Ireland Crisis Desk, the first point of call for many of the 6,000 people who require assistance annually.

A drop-in centre has also been created where over 200 people between the ages of 12 and 25 use the facilities to shower, do laundry, attend art, craft and photography classes and personal development programmes.Visit: www.focusireland.ie