An HIV/AIDS awareness programme for visitors and residents will soon be added to the programme roster at the Shelter for the Homeless in East La Penitence.

The shelter provides support and care for more than 120 daily visitors and, according to Administrator Harrydat Tilku, since it opened its 24-hour service; more persons are making use of it. A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release reported that the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security which has responsibility for the shelter, will be hosting the programme. Tilku said the ministry's HIV/AIDS focal point person Dianne Hinds is working on the programme which will soon come on stream.

GINA said the shelter was established on January 8, 2001 and only provided accommodation at night. Its mission was to provide itinerant street dwellers with a temporary environment for safety, medical and material support and counselling services, and arrest social and emotional dysfunction. It also provides counselling and medical services to referrals, through the intervention of social workers, three meals per day and recreational activities. The shelter has the capacity to accommodate 150 persons with men and women being kept in separate quarters, the release said.

GINA also said the shelter is responsible for dozens of persons reuniting with their families while several others have been placed in jobs. In addition to Tilku it has 18 members of staff.