Josephine Guilfoyle (21), from Ballymun, Dublin, was put into care when she was 10-years-old. She ran away when she was 11 and was in and out of hostels and psychiatric institutions between the ages of 11 and 18.
She now plans to "start at the bottom" and do her Junior Certificate with a view to eventually studying interior design at third level.
Supported by St Catherine's Foyer, a new project aimed at homeless young people like her, she is optimistic about her future. St Catherine's is the first project of its type in Ireland and will be formally opened today by the President, Mrs McAleese.
The purpose-built building in Dublin's Marlborough Lane is gleamingly modern, bright and warm. "The foyer idea began in France after the second World War when there were a lot of ex-service men returning home, without accommodation or a job," explains St Catherine's director, Mr Kieran O'Sullivan "The idea is to take an individual and move them towards independence so they will not be a burden on society."
Though just seven young people reside at St Catherine's at the moment, it can accommodate 48 in their own bedrooms. Residents self-refer, apply and go through an interview process.
Ms Guilfoyle, who was told about St Catherine's by a community psychiatric nurse, grins broadly when asked about her initial thoughts on her new home. "When I visited it I fell in love with it so much. This is only my third day but it has no flaws. When I wake up here, I'm looking forward to life."
