Shelter in Alijis takes in 37 homeless Bacolodnons

THIRTY-SEVEN Bacolodnons who were homeless for various reasons in time of the coronavirus disease pandemic were gathered by various private and public institutions to protect them from getting infected.

Some of them were found staying and even sleeping in the sidewalks and corridors.

Rhoderick Samonte of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College said there was a multi-party agreement between and among the following organizations such as CHMSC, Bayanihan Mission (proponent NGO), Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod, Bacolod Eagles Club Inc., Office of Bacolod Cong. Greg Gasataya, and local government of Bacolod City to temporarily house these individuals in CHMSC Alijis Campus, Bacolod City.

There is no exact data but as per estimate with the Anti-Mendicancy Office, a subcommittee of DSWD, there are approximately 50 to 100 homeless people roaming around the main streets at the same time.

But as of April 28, 2020, "We have a total of 37 residents. From the initial street recruitment and transport to the shelter prior to processing and enrolment, we had three potential residents that did not complete the enrolment because of change of mind by a middle-aged female with known mental health problem, and a couple who are not really homeless but refused to go home in their respective homes. The female partner also has cough during that time. These were the only potential residents who were rejected," Samonte said.

There are no dropouts as of April 28. There were 28 males and 9 females, 11 minors where four are females and seven males. The youngest is a four-month-old boy while the oldest is a 70-year-old man.

They have two full-time doctors with four part-time doctors and 10 medical interns who are taking care of their health.

Their daily routine includes 6 a.m. wake up, exercise, washing, cleaning, and gardening; 8 a.m. prayer and breakfast; 9 a.m. cleaning, regular health check / TV time; 10 a.m. snacks; 10:30 a.m. health teachings, pep-talks, maintenance work; 12 noon lunch and rest; 2 p.m. walk-in talks, skills training, spiritual talks; 4 p.m. snacks; 4:30 p.m. cleaning,/gardening, maintenance work and talks; 7 p.m. prayer, dinner, TV time and 10 p.m. they retire to sleep.

On weekends, they have gospel reflection sessions.