Monday, October 17, 2023 - The Safe Haven Transitional Centre (SHTC) is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive and Free Shower Service outreach programme for vulnerable members of the Virgin Islands community.

The food drive aims at restoring the Family Support Network’s (FSN) food pantry for Thanksgiving, while the Free Shower Service to provide free showers for unhoused and vulnerable individuals in the community will be held at the centre on a weekly appointment basis.

The food drive will close on November 9 and members of the public are asked to donate canned goods and non-perishable food items.

Programme Aide at the Safe Haven Transitional Centre Miss Drex-Anne Gaton, noted that this initiative seeks to benefit the less fortunate and also victims of domestic violence.

Miss Gaton said, “It is our hope to also be able to donate some of the items received to Community Mental Health Services. Community Mental Health Services will distribute items received to their clients who are some of the most vulnerable in our community.”  

The Programme Aide added that persons interested in assisting can do so by directly donating to the centre, while companies, schools and business places can place donation boxes at their facilities to allow students, customers or employees to participate.

In addition, persons are asked to contact Safe Haven with information on vulnerable individuals who may benefit from the free shower initiative.

The services offered can be accessed by contacting the centre directly at 468-5815, and via email to the programme aides at dgaton@gov.vg or kthomas@gov.vg. The Family Support Network can also be contacted by telephone at 284-540-2085 and email at familysn1@yahoo.com.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to improving the life and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.