Despite a challenging year for the Community Hostels Inc., the institution is looking forward to 2015 and entering its brand new facility in Bellevue Rawle.
However they are still in need of funds for the installation of electricity before moving in, President of the Community Hostels Inc. (also known as the Grotto Home for the Homeless), Ainsworth Irish, told Dominica News Online (DNO) in an interview.
Irish said in everything, they are giving thanks to God for another year as well as the Government of Dominica for their assistance.
“It has been a real challenge we should have moved in before Christmas but again due to financial constraints we have had a little draw back, but I am sure in the not too distant future, at least before February, we should move into the new building,” he said.
Irish said that to install electricity would cost some $36,000 but DOMLEC has agreed to absorb half of that, “so we still have to find another $18,000 to ensure lights come.”
He is asking for generous donations from the public in that regard.
He revealed that one of the Grotto Home’s new partners has agreed to construct another apartment/dormitory, which he said would be ideal for housing the vagrants in the city, some time soon.
“We hope in the near future we can build the other dormitories to take the 40 or 50 persons on the streets of Roseau who continue to be a menace and a nuisance especially when we have tourists in the country. We hope we can do that soon,” he said.
The building was recently tiled and painted and according to Irish, it “looks good” and almost ready for human habitation. “We can only hope that next year will be better for the Grotto,”
The facility which was initially expected to consist of 5 apartments/dormitories at a cost of $ 2.7 million was reduced to two apartments/dormitories at a cost of $900,000.
It can now accommodate 48 residents.
The Grotto is a non-profit organization that was set up to cater to persons that are less fortunate and destitute in our society.
Irish also conveyed the gratitude of the board, staff and residents of the Grotto Home for The Homeless to all who have assisted the institution and those who intend to do so in the future.
How u still more more to finish well well we gave it to singers for vote
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me…”
I think that they need accommodations for more than 48 people. Try about 100 at least. There are a lot of poor and destitute people on this island. But they may not want to come down there.
Why does the building have to look like a warehouse?
Irish cannot be serious when he gives the expression, they are struggling to get over $30, 000. Financial constrains my big toe. Is he aware that the DLP is alleged to have spent approximately $30 million on campaigning during the general elections. Why didn’t he or Parry, two supporters of the Labor Party, get the assistance from the DLP. The DLP sent million of dollars to Barbados while our senior citizens are languishing under an old building which has made its time. The same senior citizens who are asked to give up their lands and wealth to the establishment, should they want to reside at the grotto,
shame, shame, shame.
@ Doc love, a real shame eh, and a man took 400,000 dollars one day and just pay off his house loan imagine that, the only thing though he does not have a job.
You should first find out what support was got from Govt.The land and a large sum of money was donared to Community Hostels Inc., a private non governmental org. You must first find out the facts and then comment.The Govt is the one completing the project!!
This is good news. Everyone deserves a roof over their head. Thank you Mr Irish for your hard work and determination.
yes it is necessary that everyone has a roof over there head, but tht roof they have to build it not me