Despite fewer donations and limited funding, the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) is continuing to provide disaster relief to those in need across Guyana.
“Besides used clothing, donations have been very, very slow,” Lynette Carter, the GRC’s Administrator, told Stabroek News yesterday.
Carter explained that despite the limited funding the organisation receives, it does not refuse to help those afflicted by disasters as its aim is to “get families back on their feet in a most comfortable environment.”
It is for this reason that the GRC renamed its shelter the ‘Yvonne Hinds Home of Hope.’
The gesture is also intended to honour Hinds and to break the stigma surrounding homeless shelters.
“The shelter was renamed the Yvonne Hinds Home of Hope because when people hear shelter they think of a barrack-room situation and here it is not like that at all,” Carter explained.
“The shelter we provide is a home away from home. It’s like apartments, because we have six rooms and four are self-contained, so families never have to feel their space is invaded and so forth. They can be private,” she added.
Hinds remains Chairman of the organisation and came in for much praise from the staff, who lauded her personal efforts in not only seeking donations but also in ensuring the smooth administration of the shelter.
Currently, two families from last week’s William Street, Kitty, fire are being housed at the home.
Among them is Merika Fraser, a mother whose five children range in age from eight months to nine years old. She, her husband, and their children are staying in one of the apartments.
“We are very comfortable here and trying to get back to normal… My husband is trying and church promised to assist us with a donation and we will take it to buy school footwear for the children,” she said.
She added that she and her family are satisfied and impressed with the treatment they have received.
Last month, eight families were assisted by the organisation, which donated home furniture, appliances, building material, and clothing, among other things, to them.
Mattresses were also donated and the organisation has a policy of giving to families new beds as a way of boosting their morale when starting over.
Persons desirous of helping can donate kitchen utensils, home furniture and items that are necessary for families moving into new, unfurnished homes.
The GRC, which is located at Riverview, Ruimveldt, can be contacted on telephone number 592-225-3081 or via email at guyanareliefcouncil@yahoo.com.
Meanwhile, the GRC will hold its annual lunch and Dutch auction on October 11 at the Pegasus Hotel and is calling on the public to support the event.
