Hope Charity – Piloting Opportunities for the Homeless

Having a genuine concern for and desire to help in improving the welfare and happiness of people is the motivation behind philanthropist, Professor Donald G. Morgan’s sponsorship of the Hope Opportunity Charity Limited.

Noting that Jamaica is affected by homelessness, which can lead to criminal activities, Professor Morgan resigned as President of the Jamaica Volunteers Association (JVA), based in the United States capital, Washington D.C., to focus on piloting sponsorship of the Hope Charity, which is based in Jamaica.

“There is a seriousness of homelessness in Jamaica (and) immediate efforts should be made to address the problem. As government resources become less available and priorities continue to shift from the social needs to other areas…more young people become homeless and are forced out into the streets and shelters,” Professor Morgan says.

As such, the registered and tax exempt charity endeavours to work in partnership with the government, social agencies, churches and business enterprises, institutions, among others to assist young, homeless persons.

“Working in partnership will provide the trainees with a greater incentive to pursue and achieve their goals,” Professor Morgan contends, noting that the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation has expressed an interest in being a partner.

Persons meeting the criteria for benefiting from the aid that the charity will render are those who are unemployed, not occupying rented space or living with a close relative such as a mother and father, and those residing temporarily with a distant relative.

The charity plans to give financial assistance in the amount of $50,000 to $75,000 to the partnering agency for the skills training or apprenticeship for each homeless trainee.

The targeted skills include: carpentry, masonry, plumbing, barbering, roofing, and cosmetology, among others.

The training or apprenticeship period, according to Professor Morgan should not be less than six months.

“We want to give persons between the ages of 18 years and over (the opportunity) to acquire employable marketable skills to leave the streets or wherever they are and to lead a productive lifestyle,” he points out.

Professor Morgan says this opportunity represents an invitation and a challenge for persons to better themselves in society.

He points out that the persons who are assisted by the charity should be committed to being aided.

Currently, Hope Opportunity Charity Limited is searching for agencies, who will supply them with persons they deem to fit the criteria.