Homeless in the city and no change in sight
Two years ago the Belize City Council and the Salvation Army embarked on a programme to provide a roof and meals for the homeless in Belize City. After countless meetings it was expected the initiative would have kicked off, and the problem would have been dealt with right? Wrong! As Marion Ali found out, it happens that the homeless problem is no closer to being solved today as it was then.
Marion Ali, Reporting
This is the building that was designated to be the night shelter for Belize City’s homeless, primarily the ones that sleep in the Battlefield Park. Formerly Gann’s Rest House and managed by the Salvation Army, this two storey structure at 60 East Canal is where the destitute would have not only slept but also received some form of counseling. Then in December of 2008 Councillor Wayne Usher had promising words, saying that the Belize City Council and the relevant agencies had struck a positive chord.
Wayne Usher, City Councillor (Dec. 16, 2008)
“I am happy to say that we had a breakthrough yesterday. The homeless will be invited to go over to Gann’s Rest House on the canal side. The Salvation Army and ourselves have worked hard at it and we have what we call a soft opening of Gann’s Rest House, not a real official opening. But they will welcome and accommodate those people who hang out here in the park over at Gann’s Rest House and at that rest house we will provide food, clothing, shelter, a bath and entertainment for those people who stay in the park.”
Well it seems that that breakthrough was followed by a breakdown in communication and disappointment in the collection of the necessary funds.
Maj. Errol Robateau
Major Errol Robateau, Former Regional Cmdr., Salvation Army
“I don’t think it would have been fair to open the place not knowing where the funds would come from to run the place. While all that was going on and delaying my time for retirement came so I passed it on. We got from PACT a donation which we used to buy the beds. I went myself and bought the beds from the Mennonites on North Front Street. Those are in place at Gann’s During my time the Mayor brought some fridges and stoves and some stuff which I understand now is all rotten because I refuse to touch it because it was for Gann’s and we were waiting for something to happen.”
The canned foods have all expired the Belize City Council has also had a change of heart. They are no longer taking a lead role in the homeless project, as Councillor Usher admitted to News Five only recently.
Wayne Usher
Wayne Usher
“The City Council has never stopped wanting and endeavoring to try and see how we can get the homeless into proper shelters. That has not stopped. What has changed is who is running with this. The Ministry of Human Development is really the leading sector dealing with it. The Council is operating in support. The suggestion and the proposal is still there for that to be done and it’s just a matter of how they’re going to finance and sustain the opening of Gann’s Rest House.”
Marion Ali
“Hadn’t you had a property on Vernon Street for the building of a house for those people?”
Wayne Usher
“Right, that is between also the Mental Health Association, who have already identified some funding. Some funding is already there you know. The land is already earmarked but it’s just a matter now of continuing the entire proposal.”
That entire proposal is going to cost close to ninety thousand dollars a year to sustain the programme – monies that neither the Council nor the Salvation Army can readily put their hands on. So while the beds remain unoccupied, the problem remains allocating the funds. The Ministry of Human Development was recently asked to lead the charge on the Battlefield Park homeless problem, one of many social issues that need urgent attention. Marion Ali for News Five.
It is estimated that Belize City has between fifty and seventy homeless persons. There are a few shelters that offer food and lodging to homeless people but they are maxed out.
WHERE ARE THE RELATIVES OF THESE PEOPLE? THERE MUST BE SOME FAMILY MEMEBERS WHO CAN TAKE CARE OF THESE PEOPLE, WHY LEAVE ALL THIS RESPOSIBILTY
TO THE OTHERS.I AM SURE THINGS ARE NOT THAT BAD THAT RELATIVES CAN’T TAKE CARE OF THEM, I HAVE AN OLD AUNT 88 YRS WITH NO ONE TO TAKE CARE OF HER, AND BECASUE SHE IS MY MOM AUNTS I THINK ITS MY DUTY TO LOOK AFTER HER, SO WHY THESE PEOPLE ARE ON THE STREETS?
I agree? where are the relatives of these people.
yes where are their relatives but if we all talk about what that person’s relative should do then we are just as much at fault as them because we are not doing anything. We need to start thinking not just about what we are doing and what other people need to be doing but rather think about what gifts God almighty has given us and what we are and should be doing with them. Take for instance a small farm put a trustworthy manager on there start by picking up 3 or 4 people off the street and give them a roof, food, proper clothing, and a small wage and in return they work on the farm, learn more about the Almighty Creator and help the farm earn a profit so that it can expand and more people can get off the streets. After awhile of working on the farm they will have gained enough experience and knowledge that other people will want to hire them. Then they are on their way to a renewed life, sort of like they have received a second chance. As the Holy Bible says ” So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 7:12. Altho this may not look like a very big answer considering the amount of people that are without homes in Belize, to actually do this it is going to take somebody who puts their complete trust in God and is faithful in even the smallest of things. This is one thing that will have to be started small, just like a baby that is learning to walk it must take small steps first in order to even get close to the big steps.