Last two residents of dilapidated indigent home plan to leave together

Nearly two months after Stabroek News’ last visit to Chase’s Indigent Home, the building still remains in a deplorable state.

When the home was visited on Tuesday, the first greeting came from the creaking floorboards of the front landing, which threatened to give way under pressure and the garbage and debris that flooded the passageway at the side of the yard.

Ann Vieira
Ann Vieira

In March, four elderly women occupied the dilapidated building. By November, only two remained. On Tuesday, the door was answered by tenant, Ann Vieira, one of the two remaining residents. She was alone at the time, as the other woman had stepped out. Vieira spoke passionately about the deteriorating living conditions; the roof that leaks whenever it rains, the yard where the destitute find it fit to relieve themselves and the lack of potable water, which she is forced to pay to have fetched over for uses in cooking and for hygienic purposes.

The elderly woman, who indicated she will turn 80 next month, cooks and cares for herself although her eyesight has been slowly deteriorating.

She said she receives water from a friend across the street, for which she pays $100 for a four gallon container. When it was enquired how often she needs this water fetched across, she stated, for as long as she can make it last for cooking and using the toilet facilities.

Vieira does not plan to remain in those destitute conditions for much longer though, and if all goes according to plan, Chase’s Indigent Home may soon be deserted.

The woman shared that she will be leaving the premises as soon as her daughter has the chance to move her out but assured us that she will not abandon her housemate, Avril Gordon. The two of them, she stated, have planned to move out the same day as each has no intention of leaving the other alone.

Although the elderly woman was peeved about the living situation, she appeared optimistic for her future. When asked to share her wish for the New Year, she replied, “To keep health and strength and that I could gain back more eyesight gradually and do God’s will. Be kind to people, mild and every single thing. That’s my motto.”