“In Malta at least 64 children are homeless every day,” said the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF). “And this is the new challenge that the HHF marketing team have taken up: to bring to light this hidden problem that exists in Malta and to give financial help to the YMCA Homeless.”

The HHF is asking for support for its magazine. “Through the HHF 12th edition Family Magazine, selling at Lm1.50, the public will have the opportunity to financially help the YMCA and at the same time obtain an informative, interesting booklet full of puzzles, stories, interesting facts and lots of prizes. There is no advertising in the booklet – it is just packed with interesting fun for everyone – young and old.”

YMCA Homeless is a voluntary and non-profit organisation that seeks to promote the creation of a more just society. It deals with more than 50 cases on a daily basis. These individuals are assisted at the Homeless Shelter and at the Drop-in Centre. The YMCA homeless shelter, Dar Niki Cassar, can accommodate up to 22 individuals, while most of the generic social work is carried out at the YMCA Drop In Centre in Merchant Street, Valletta.

The HHF team, along with the YMCA, urges the public to spare a few minutes to listen to the marketing team who will be travelling to towns and villages in Malta and Gozo. They will be highlighting the fact that there is a homeless problem. Homeless people in Malta exist “but we don’t see them in the streets as in other European capitals, only because of the caring society we live in and the work done and assistance provided by agencies similar to the YMCA”.

Up to now, the Helping Hands Foundation has given over Lm145,000 to various organisations.