The St James Municipal Corporation and philanthropist Sandra Miller-Hall recently collaborated to bring Christmas cheer to the homeless and disabled, at the Refuge of Hope shelter in Albion, on December 20.
The shelter, led by Shelter Manager Junice Woolery-Norman, serves as a vital drop-in centre for the homeless, providing them with a safe haven until they can secure stable housing and reintegrate back into society.
The day’s activities also brought joy and care to children from the community for the first time. Everyone received a meal, among other care.
Additionally, each child received an envelope containing funds, toys, treats and more.
For 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 nd 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 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,” 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.
