Outreach Brings Joy to the Homeless at Refuge of Hope

The St. James Municipal Corporation and philanthropist Sandra Miller-Hall have collaborated to bring Christmas cheer to the homeless and disabled, at the Refuge of Hope shelter in Albion, on December 20.

The shelter, under the leadership of Shelter Manager, Junice Woolery-Norman, serves as a vital drop-in centre for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with a safe haven until they can secure stable housing and reintegrate back into society.

The day’s activities, which also brought joy and care to children from the community for the first time, saw everyone receiving a proper meal among other care.

Additionally, each child received an envelope containing funds, toys, treats and more.

For Mrs. Miller-Hall, who has long been committed to assisting the most vulnerable in St. James, the outreach was not just about handing out food and goodies, but about creating an atmosphere where individuals felt dignified and respected.

“I was very happy about today and quite impressed with how the day went. The [homeless] and children had a good time. I’ve been doing it [for] about 10 years; different activities,” she stated.

“I will get up one morning and say, ‘I’m bringing some stuff to the night shelter’. I have relatives, and very close friends [and] I would contact them for support and say this is what I’m doing,” she added.

The support Mrs. Miller-Hall provides, is deeply rooted in family tradition.

Her parents were involved in charitable work across the parish, and she continues that legacy by organising various initiatives, especially around the holidays.

She expressed a willingness to continue partnering with others, including the Government, to ensure that those in need are never overlooked.

“Well, it all depends on what God tells me to do. I move around, but I contribute,” Mrs. Miller-Hall stated.

The Refuge of Hope shelter currently houses 25 residents – 18 males and seven females, who undergo a six-month rehabilitation programme aimed at reassimilating them back into society.

The facility operates around the clock, with a dedicated team of five nurses and four security guards working in shifts.

Beyond basic shelter, the centre offers skill-development programmes such as farming for men and sewing for women to further prepare them for independent living. The facility also collaborates with non-governmental organisations to support those who arrive with educational qualifications.

In terms of reassimilation, the shelter has a success rate of more than 85 per cent, and many transition back into society as business owners and employees.

Earlier this year, Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, announced that five persons who were members of the shelter made a transition back into society with a high level of dignity.

“The most important part is they are no longer homeless, and that is why these shelters are important,” he stated.

Beyond the efforts at the Refuge of Hope, the Municipal Corporation has been running other initiatives aimed at supporting the homeless. Recently, they provided a Christmas dinner for the indigent residents at the Care Centre on Orange Street in the city.

“This collaboration with Mrs. Sandra Miller-Hall is something that she does each year, and I want to commend her for it. Whenever she gets the opportunity, she takes the initiative to the community and ensures that people are served. Today is no different. She’s doing it, and we are here to support her and, of course, the residents and children of the area,” Mayor Vernon stated.

Despite its success, the shelter faces ongoing challenges, such as a need for additional resources.

Currently, the shelter uses single beds to house residents, but with more funding and support, the facility could expand its bedding to serve even more individuals.

“Mental illness is something that will not go away, but with help, you can live a good, favourable life. So, we’re hoping that others will come on board, and it will cause more real success stories to come out,” Mrs. Woolery-Norman stated.