THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security hosted a brief Christmas social for members of the Night Shelter in East La Penitence in Georgetown on Friday.

Minister of Human Services Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who was in attendance engaged residents and used the opportunity to emphasise that the facility has seen significant infrastructural improvements including enhanced capacity.

Minister Persaud told attendees that they are working on a new kitchen for the shelter which is expected to be opened soon.

This, she said, is so that hot meals can be prepared for residents, inclusive of persons who are homeless, indigent, or who have been abandoned by their families.

According to the minister, not only is housing provided for these persons, but also food and healthcare services through partnership with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and the Ministry of Health.

Thanks to such partnership, the Night Shelter residents have been able to do various surgeries and have their eye health taken care of.

“We have also been able to reintegrate persons back with their families; [let’s] say they were missing; we went out we found their families and we were able to put them back with their families. We’ve also been able to work with those persons who come to the night shelter, and ensure they get treatment for things like TB,” Dr. Persaud said.

Added to this, the minister said following discussions, the ministry will ensure that the Empower Programme for men and the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme for women are made available to the residents so that they can upskill themselves for employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. She mentioned plans to also ensure that persons who want to learn how to sew receive training.

Dr. Persaud continued, “I’ve always believed in gardening for therapy, and so we’re going to be setting up a garden here, a semi-shade house garden. So those of you who like to plant, we will be putting that in this night shelter so that you can do some gardening, some planting. You know, the satisfaction of reaping something that you grew yourself is a good one. And so those of you who couldn’t cook, maybe you can whip up a soup with the stuff that the people planted.”

The minister disclosed that no effort will be spared to improve the night shelter, committing that as the Government of Guyana and as minister of human services, they want those persons who live on the streets, to be safe.

“Safe. The streets are not necessarily safe places because if people are living on the streets, they’re open to the elements and all kinds of things. So, we’re going to work with you and you’re going to work with us to make sure by the end of next year, no one is on the streets,” she affirmed.