The new home of the Community Hostel’s Inc. (CHI) more commonly known as the Grotto Home for the Homeless, was on the object of a charitable deed by the United States of America (USA) Navy’s Hospital Ship, USNS Comfort, on Saturday August 1, 2015.
16 volunteers from the ship with painting equipment and 15 gallons of paint, got busy at the CHI’s new location in Bellevue Rawle, covering up the wall primer and giving a more finished look to the building which is expected to house over 40 residents in short order.
Religious Specialist First Class on the USNS Comfort, Johnathan Coreson, told members of the media that while their main mission is to provide medical services, it is also an opportunity for sailors to do something else outside of medical and engineering duties.
“And here we are painting, and it may not be people, kids or residents of the Grotto home here, but we still are contributing to the mission by volunteering our efforts,” he said.
Coreson informed that at the beginning of each mission, they are given a certain number of projects that are available and he is directly responsible to coordinate the people who come out to each of these projects.
“So I send out word to the entire ship and say, these are the projects and which ones would you like to contribute to? Some people would rather play with kids, some people would rather go and play sports, but today these people would rather paint,” he explained.
The cost of the project, including the paint and the other supplies, is valued at about US$ 450.
He noted his team has been asked to paint the buildings that were not painted before but “we have nearly all the day so we will just get done what we can and then and maybe put a second coat on whatever’s left.”
Meanwhile, he is giving the country a thumb up in more than one area.
“I think so far everyone is very impressed with Dominica,” he stated.
“The scenery is much nicer than we have been to before, being on a port with shops nearby is a very big advantage to being in Dominica. Some of the other countries, transportation has been very long and cumbersome so here in Dominica it’s a very nice country.”
Crew members aboard The USNS Comfort are doing three volunteer projects while here.
The first was undertaken at the Roseau Public Library, where they read to the children present and gave presentations on health and hygiene, dental hygiene, sports and healthy living. The Navy band also provided entertainment.
The second entails the painting of the new Grotto Home as well as entertainment by the Navy Band at the old Grotto Home in Roseau.
The third will be another painting project at CHANCES in Jimmit in the form of a mural designed by a sailor on the ship. They will also spend some time interacting with the children and will donate some items to them.
CHANCES, a place for children at risk, opened its doors on April 13th 2011 and so far, over 120 children and young persons have benefited from the services offered by the institution.
“It seems like there are a lot of people who would just like to interact with the sailors, so we have been asked to just show up and spend some time with the residents and the citizens of Dominica.”
The ship will remain in the island’s port from the 27th of July to the 7th of August 2015. From there, they will head to Barbados for some rest and relaxation but the next working stop is the Dominican Republic.
I have appreciated everything the staff and crew of the USNS Comfort Ship has done for the people of Dominica. May God continue to bless all of you for your charitable works.
What a good thing! Thank you and I salute you!!
Thank you so much … people helping people, that’s just what the world needs. We are glad you came to our shores.
How absolutely wonderful of them!! May God bless them all and continue to guide them throughout their mission. Shame on those Dominicans who are skeptical and have negative attitudes towards this mission. SHAME ON THEM!!
on behalf of the people of dominica i say
tanx to you navy men
…navy men & WOMEN!!
Landscaping is required next.
Good job guys. Your contribution is appreciated.
thanks for your support, that you gave in painting the house for the homeless.
greatly appreciated.
Just want to extend gratitude to the US GOVERNMENT TO A TIMELY MANNER MOST NEED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA . PATRONS THE LORD SAID WHAT EVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BROTHER YOU DO IT UNTO ME GOD GUIDAINCE CONTINUE TO COVER THE TEAM MOST SAY CONGRATS TO THE MOST FREINDLY AND SYMPATHETIC GOVERNMENT IN THE WORLD
God bless you all.Thanks
awesome. Thanks Folks. The Grotto is a great mission and the area up there needs more development. Come on Dominica, get helping.
Thank you USNS comfort crew, we are very grateful and appreciate your help and effort in these projects. May God bless each and every one of you as you continue on your mission.
Thumbs up to the U.S. Navy. These people can teach us a thing or two. We too can volunteer if need be, lets do it more often before we forget that old but cherished custom of coumain.
Thank you guys, you make me feel humble. May the Good Lord bless you and come back again. You are welcome.