In observance of World Homeless Day, the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) is celebrating significant strides in its mission to assist homeless individuals in Barbados.
With notable achievements in job placements and rehabilitation, the BAEH aims to shine a light on the progress made in providing pathways back into society for those facing homelessness.
Kemar Saffrey, President of the BAEH, shared the organisation’s recent accomplishments.
He emphasized the impact of the BAEH’s comprehensive services, including counselling, mental health support, housing solutions, and collaborations with local employers, all of which contribute to a successful reintegration process for their clients.
“One of the things that we want to emphasize this year is the achievements of the organization as we mark this significant day,” Saffrey said. “Over the years, given our techniques and our tactics, we have seen nothing but tremendous outcomes for those that have faced homelessness. I can say clearly that the tireless work of staff and counsellors, coupled with the cooperation from the clients, has led to the turnaround and the success we’ve seen in terms of clients transitioning back into mainstream society.”
The BAEH reports a 76% success rate in rehabilitating clients since its inception, having served more than 1,200 people affected by homelessness. This year alone, the organisation has seen a marked increase in job placements, thanks to local companies that have embraced BAEH clients.
“We’re really pleased with the outcome of our clients as it relates to our rehabilitation and reintegration programmes,” Saffrey explained.
“Based on the number of services that we offer at the organization, whether it be counselling and mental health assistance, nursing aid, welfare assistance, housing solutions and job collaborations with the social network services, with the aid of our transition team, we’ve been able to see persons get themselves back into mainstream society and be able to get housing and jobs. In terms of the number of job placements this year, they have been tremendous. Corporate Barbados has come on board to make sure that the homeless, once treated and rehabilitated, are able to place themselves back into mainstream society.”
Additionally, the BAEH has partnered with the government on the formation of the National Task Force on Homelessness, a cabinet-approved committee focused on policies and strategies to address homelessness.
The Alliance also welcomed the recent government funding, which facilitated the opening of Barbados’s first 24-hour shelter, expanding critical services to women, children, and men in need.
Saffrey acknowledged the importance of these collaborations, stating, “We thank The Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, for her leadership and for seeing the vision as it relates to ending homelessness; The Hon. Santia Bradshaw, Deputy Prime Minister, for assisting in championing the cause; and The Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, along with his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jehu Wiltshire, for their oversight thus far on key matters related to homelessness.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, BAEH staff, and the Barbadian public for their unwavering support, all of which have been instrumental in the organization’s ongoing work to end homelessness in Barbados. As BAEH reflects on its progress, it remains committed to addressing the challenges of homelessness and supporting individuals in finding stability, security, and a sense of belonging in the community. (BAEH)
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