Generous donations from Food for the Poor set to transform Georgetown Night Shelter

On Friday, Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. made a substantial contribution to the Night Shelter in Georgetown, delivering a range of vital supplies.

The donation included hospital beds, sanitary napkins, canes, walkers, paint, storage racks, computer desks, adult diapers, wheelchairs, and garbage bins, among other essential items.

Administrator at the Night Shelter, Sheila Ramsammy, expressed gratitude for the donation during brief remarks.

“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have received the blessings of a donation from Food for the Poor for some very important items that we need at the Night Shelter,” she stated.

Veerasammy also highlighted the shelter’s evolution from a temporary refuge to a permanent home for many individuals.

“The Night Shelter is a shelter as it is named but the dynamics in the shelter have changed dramatically from a place where somebody just came and spent two nights; it is now a full-time home.”

The shelter provides healthcare, dental care, and psychiatric care, but Veerasammy called for more support from relatives.

“Making someone healthy is a three-prong approach: we [Night Shelter], the doctors, and family members, and that is not something we are getting from the family members,” Veerasammy said.

She further emphasized the critical role that ongoing support from organizations like Food for the Poor plays in sustaining their mission and enhancing the quality of life for their residents.

Food for the Poor has been partnering with the shelter over the years to strengthen the services provided to the homeless there.

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor, Andrea Benjamin, restated the commitment to supporting development in Guyana and will continue to work with other agencies, communities, and families.

“We know that comfort is important when you are dealing with persons who have a variety of social and mental issues, and we know this donation today is going to be significant in ensuring that they are comfortable and, while they are here, they feel as though they are treated with dignity and respect,” Benjamin said.

The Night Shelter is also benefiting from the construction of a new kitchen funded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Veerasammy revealed that once completed, the kitchen will cater to individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those living with diabetes and hypertension.