Around 150 street dwellers in Manila were provided with bed foams, pillows, electric fans, hot meals, and night shelters by the Junior Chamber International (JCI)- Manila and Hospicio De San Jose on Monday, February 26.
"Shelter Care: A Kick-Off for the Night Shelter" is an initiative to provide support and resources for individuals or families transitioning into stable housing from homelessness.
JCI Manila partnered with HDSJ to support its “Night Shelter” initiative, which provides a place to stay and sleep at night for street dwellers living within three to five kilometers surrounding the HDSJ sanctuary located beside the Ayala Bridge.
According to HDSJ Director Rizaldy Daen, the Night Shelter program was launched in 2014 and has already benefitted thousands of street dwellers in Metro Manila.
“Alam namin na ang JCI Manila ay kaakibat at kaagapay ng HDSJ lalong na po sa usapin ng development at sustainability at pagdating ng araw, wala ng tao ang matutulog sa lansangan (We know that JCI Manila is an affiliate and partner of the HDSJ especially in the matter of development and sustainability. One day, we hope to see nobody sleeping on the street),” Daen said.
“This event presents a unique opportunity for us to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Manila,” JCI said.
Joselito, 47, one of the beneficiaries, said it was his first time to receive assistance after being homeless for nine years.
He said his family is residing in Visayas and he had not seen them for a long time ago.
He said he is still saving money for his travel fare.
“Malaking biyaya po, mahirap po talaga ang buhay. Sa mga ganitong ano po [tulong] kahit papaano po natututo kami bumangon (This a blessing for us because life is really hard. With help such as this, we somehow learn to rise again),” he said.
“Ang layunin po natin sa programang ito ay magkaroon po ang street dwellers ng ligtas at komportableng matutulugan ngayong gabi (Our goal in this program is for the street dwellers to have a safe and comfortable place to sleep in tonight),” JCI Manila Director Charles Ratcliffe Jr.
Ratcliffe said the Night Shelter program does not only offer a home but also a training program where street dwellers can learn various new skills that they can use to apply for jobs.
He said beneficiaries will also be assisted in their career placements to make sure that they get decent jobs.
He added that HDSJ also has transient homes in Bulacan where street dwellers can stay up to five years to give them enough time to apply for the “Murang Pabahay (affordable homes)” of the National Housing Authority.
JCI Manila is a non-government and non-profit organization composed of 600 volunteers who work together in conducting 200 to 400 charity activities every year.
HDSJ is the first social welfare agency in the Philippines. It was established in 1801 as a home for orphans, the abandoned, people with special needs, and the elderly.