This week St Mary’s welcomed one of our past pupils; Lee Maria Hughes (nee Kenny) to talk to our Year 12,13 and 14 students today about her sister Catherine Kenny who was also a past pupil and her work with Catherine’s house and Katie’s Project. She was accompanied by Ciaran from the Welcome Organisation; who provide support for the homeless across Northern Ireland.
Catherine’s house is named after Catherine who was known by her family and friends as Katie. She was the 5th homeless person to die on the streets of Belfast at the start of 2016, she died on the 19th March, aged just 33. At this time Katie had been homeless for 11 consecutive months. Lee Maria spoke very honestly about her sister and her work with Katie’s project and the Welcome Organisation. In particular she reminded our students of the need for compassion rather than judgement. Anyone who would like to listen to her story can do so via this link; https://www.homelessbelfast.org/lee-maria
During this year St Mary’s will be fundraising to support the Welcome organisation and Catherine’s house. This facility provides 24 hour supported living for ten women experiencing homelessness who are ready to take the next steps to live independently. Catherine House helps break the cycle of homelessness and provide the women with the skills and confidence to live independently.
