AFTER nearly a year of operation, the transit centre for the homeless in Jalan C.Y. Choy in George Town has become a vital stepping stone for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
The RM4.4 million facility, initiated by the state government, has been serving the homeless community since its opening on Sept 1 last year.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara at the centre today, general manager Nazatulwanis Mohd Khorish highlighted the centre’s significant role in empowering the homeless to reintegrate into society.
“We have been helping many to earn a living after their stay at the centre. Some have become independent, while others have successfully joined institutions to continue their daily lives with dignity,” she said.
The centre provides temporary shelter, with a maximum stay of two weeks under specific circumstances. During their stay, residents are presented with various options, including returning to their families or joining governmental or non-governmental organisations.
“At our transit centre, we focus on instilling the right mindset, with a primary goal of enabling them to earn a living. We provide equal opportunities for them to acquire soft skills and other essential life skills,” Nazatulwanis explained.
The centre can accommodate about 50 individuals at any given time. So far, it has assisted 108 in securing employment, facilitated 54 in joining governmental and non-governmental institutions, and advised others to reunite with their families.
Nazatulwanis noted that 50 homeless individuals have been caught by enforcement agencies for various offences, including drug-related activities.
Four residents were hospitalised due to illness, and sadly, two passed away.
To ensure long-term success, the centre collaborates with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and enforcement agencies. Nazatulwanis emphasised the importance of these partnerships in supporting the homeless community.
“We have also engaged with 29 companies to explore job opportunities and are working closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,” she added.
Nazatulwanis expressed hope that the homeless would not face discrimination upon re-entering society. She shared that 55.4% of the centre’s residents are from Penang, with the rest coming from neighbouring states. Their ages range from 23 to over 70.
However, the centre has certain restrictions and does not accept individuals with drug addictions, mental health issues, or those living with HIV.
The centre offers a range of daily activities aimed at enhancing the well-being of its residents. Some earn extra income by washing motorcycles, while others participate in exercise routines designed to improve their health.
Looking ahead, Nazatulwanis shared that several programmes are in the pipeline for the coming months, focusing on continuous engagement and support for the homeless community.
In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebrations, the centre is organising an event this Friday, with the state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim expected to attend as the guest of honour.
“We anticipate around 100 attendees, and we hope this event will be a memorable celebration for all,” Nazatulwanis concluded.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting