IT’S IN DIRE NEED OF SUPPORT; YOU CAN HELP
Despite the uncertainty of today’s world, Jamaicans continue helping and supporting each other, doing their best to bring sunshine into others’ lives.
One example is the Portland Rehabilitation Management Homeless Shelter in Port Antonio. It is in dire need of support. The shelter, employing three staff members full-time and two part-time, is appealing for funds via GoFundMe Here is the link. Please consider contributing – any amount would be gratefully received. The need is urgent!
(Participants in a recent workshop, organised by the shelter, on gender-based violence )
Maria Carla Gullotta (who heads the non-governmental organisation Stand Up for Jamaica) is practical, down to earth, but compassionate. She says the shelter offers more than charity; it offers opportunities.
Some (not all) homeless people have mental health issues. They suffer from discrimination, and are called “mad.” Stones and other missiles are thrown at them. But homelessness can happen to anyone, due to adverse circumstances or a traumatic event.
The shelter is guided by four principles: prevention, early assessment, diversion and inclusion. It offers much more than the basics, providing three meals daily for its over 40 residents and nearly 40 regular drop-ins Health care and counseling are also provided. Many residents have suffered abuse; others have mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The shelter aims to restore the residents’ belief in themselves, through wellness therapy, entrepreneurship training, and eventual employment. This will allow them to return to their homes and communities, with skills to help them continue rebuilding their lives.
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(The shelter helps the homeless learn skills that help them rebuild their lives to return to their communities)
(Residents’ work on display)
Three residents recently graduated from Portland Arts & Vocational Education Centre (PAVE), an important partner, offering creative arts and entrepreneurial education for those with learning challenges. One has since found employment.
During the recent bad weather, the shelter provided refuge from the storm. But most of all, it brings empowerment, encourages self-awareness and self-esteem, and fosters hope.
The shelter offers homeless people a second chance. Everyone deserves that.
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The above is edited, for the North Coast Times, from Emma Lewis’ story captioned “Shelter in Portland, Jamaica sustains, rehabilitates and empowers the homeless – and urgently needs your support” on her blog. Emma is a writer and blogger. She writes on Global Voices and Substack in addition to her own blog, http://petchary.wordpress.com
