She said it was crucial to understand why some segments of society remained homeless despite many programmes to help them.
“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said________________________________________________
(Source: TheStar news) Tuesday March 29,2011
KUALA LUMPUR: Collaborative efforts between the Government and NGOs are needed to tackle homelessness in the country, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said.
She said it was crucial to understand why some segments of society remained homeless despite many programmes to help them.
“Material loss may have forced some people onto the streets but the reason for them remaining homeless is something else entirely. It could perhaps be their loss of will and spirit to continue living.
Charity begins at home: Rosmah and Shahrizat witnessing the mock cheque presentation between AmBank Corporate Finance director Syed Anuar Syed Ali (left) and Kechara Soup Kitchen president Datuk Ruby Khong at Jalan Barat here yesterday. Also present are Kitchen patron Datuk Dr Victor Wee(second from left) and National Welfare Foundation CEO Datuk Sayed A. Rahman Sayed Mohd.
“We are very lucky to have NGOs like Kechara Soup Kitchen working with government agencies to help the homeless.
“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said in her speech before opening the KSK Building here yesterday.
The building, located in Jalan Barat off Jalan Imbi, has been in operation since Sept 23 last year. It provides hot vegetarian lunches from Monday to Friday to homeless people in the area for free.
Renovated at a cost of RM400,000, the building also welcomes walk-in customers who may pay any amount for their meals as donations.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who also attended the function, announced that the ministry will open a new shelter called Bangunan Ehsan at Jalan Lekiu on April 9. The shelter will provide 76 beds for males and females.
