As a result of the measures introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) is currently unable to house fire victims at its “Yvonne Hinds Home of Hope.”
Alana Valentine, Office Administrator of GRC, told Stabroek News that the organisation is presently not housing fire victims at its temporary accommodations due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the efforts being made to protect persons from exposure to the virus.
Valentine explained that the shelter’s administrator, who normally resides at the shelter during the scheduled two-week stay for fire victims, is currently not staying at the shelter due to time adjustments made by the organisation. Instead, she said, they have been lending support to fire and welfare victims through the distribution of hampers.
Thus far, the organisation has provided relief to approximately 20 persons, most of whom are from Georgetown with the remainder from Bartica, Berbice, and Linden.
However, due to the COVID-19 restriction on gatherings, Valentine disclosed that the organisation is also unable to conduct fund raising activities, and is therefore encouraging persons to continue making donations to aid in the relief of those affected.
According to Valentine, the fire victims are contacted via phone numbers provided in news articles published and by fire reports that are submitted to them.
Once assistance is available for pick up, she said, the victims are then contacted, but given the importance of keeping safe and practicing physical distancing, no one is allowed to enter the compound.
Interested donors can contact the shelter and the donations will be picked up from the gate area. Items needed include clothing, mattresses, furniture, as well as anything persons can afford to give.
GRC is now operating on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm and on Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm and can be contacted at their office numbers on 225-3081 or 225-2874.
