The Vodafone Malta Foundation is supporting Caritas Malta by giving funds for its Harm Reduction project, a shelter for homeless people with drug abuse problems.
“The Vodafone Malta Foundation has always been very active in supporting Caritas, that works tirelessly to help those who are often the poorest and most in need in our society. We are committed to support organisations such as Caritas that play an important social role within our society.
“Support for worthy social initiatives forms an important pillar of our foundation,” said foundation chairperson Gemma Mifsud Bonnici.
“Through our contribution, we would also like to show our recognition of all the dedicated workers and volunteers who work, day in, day out, to support those who are most in need,” she said.
Within the Caritas Harm Reduction Project, homeless clients with a drug addiction are offered the opportunity to take up temporary residence at the shelter until more permanent accommodation can be arranged for them. They are professionally assessed and have a tailored treatment plan prepared for them.
The plan aims to help them stabilise their chaotic lifestyle through a balance of practical social work and intensive psychotherapy. The shelter also functions as a drop-in centre for clients who have some kind of difficulty but who are not homeless. This centre aims to attract those with drug addiction who might otherwise be roaming the streets, to get them together, offer them some basic nourishment and begin the laborious task of engaging them in therapy.
“Caritas needs over Lm40,000 a month to operate, as all the services offered by us are free of charge,” said Caritas administrative secretary Anglu Fenech.
“To a large extent, Caritas relies on the generosity of the Maltese people in order to fund its work within the community. Caritas offers a wide spectrum of services to those in need, including counselling; drug rehabilitation and prevention education. Our latest project has been the setting up of the Harm Reduction Project.
“We thank the Vodafone Malta Foundation for supporting this project,” said Mr Fenech.