The Night Shelter has extended its capacity to cater for almost 250 persons, providing them with meals, medical assistance and more importantly, indefinite accommodation on a 24-hour basis.
Located at Arapaima Street, East La Penitence, it was initially established to provide sleeping accommodation for the homeless and indigent; but based on the demand, has seen it fit to offer a safe haven to street dwellers.
In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) Tuesday, Administrator of the facility, Harry Dat Tilku, disclosed that the number of residents at the shelter has been increasing steadily and now stands between 180 to 200 persons.
Three meals are provided to each resident on a daily basis, along with basic supplies, including bed sheets, mosquito nets, toothbrushes and other toiletries.
The 22-member staff complement performs every task from finding suitable employment for able-bodied residents, arranging meals, settling disputes and ensuring medication is administered when necessary.
“We were able to secure jobs as labourers and security officers for 21 of these persons…but they must be of sound mind and able-bodied. We do not accept them if they refuse to take their medication,” the Administrator revealed.
He noted that some residents who acquire jobs are then able to make a living and eventually return to their own homes.
The staff at the Night Shelter would also ensure that persons are equipped with birth certificates and other relevant identification documents, Tilku said.
The facility recently benefitted from infrastructural enhancement to its aesthetics with the construction of a new wing which accommodates 80 additional persons.
Apart from the customary services, residents are also exposed to counselling sessions on issues such as domestic violence and conflict resolution, all facilitated by an on-site social worker.
Tilku said there are also weekly church services on the grounds of the Shelter that require only voluntary attendance.
He disclosed that residents are entertained by a television set, videos and other games, including football, dominoes, chess and cards.
According to the Administrator, a doctor has volunteered to make weekly visits on Thursdays to perform medical checks.
The shelter also operates a bus service which transports residents from their respective locations to the facility.
The Ministry of Human Services said the centre was established in 2001 to provide street dwellers with a temporary environment for safety, material support and counselling, aimed at arresting social and emotional dysfunction.
The building had an initial holding capacity of 150, with separate living quarters for males and females.
However, the shelter began a 24-hour service in October 2006, to accommodate those who had made the streets their home. (GINA)