'Free Hotel' In Johor Provides Temporary Shelter For The Homeless, Even A Laundry Area
An inspiring combination of kindness and creativity have created a sanctuary for the neglected, homeless people.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 04 Sep 2015, 04:39 PM
While we lull ourselves to sleep in our plush beds every night, thousands roam the cities making the streets their home
With the alarmingly high, constantly increasing living costs in Malaysia, more people have been left with very little choice but to make the streets their home.
Many are pushed aside and ostracised by loved ones, for some a sudden financial crisis befalls them, most end up homeless thanks to the lack of job opportunities and a lot more complicated reasons with each one painting their own sad realities.
Most of us do what we can to lend them a helping hand, mostly by providing food, shelter and odd jobs.
In the midst of all this chaos, a bunch of amazing, thoughtful people decided to build Anjung Singgah for the homeless back in 2013
Established by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and run by the National Welfare Foundation Malaysia (NWFM), Anjung Singgah is located at Jalan Segget in Johor Bahru.
While it isn't a permanent solution for the homeless people, it gives them a decent place to sleep at night without having to worry about their safety and belongings.
The rules are simple; Malaysians with an identity card (IC) are allowed to stay for two weeks at a time
The bunk beds come with two tiered shelves for occupants to keep their belongings and should there be any valuables to be stored, then Anjung Singgah provides lockers.
The kind folks at Anjung Singgah will make sure all the occupants receive three free meals, a toiletries set that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, a bar of soap and a sarong
NWFM's chief executive officer Datuk Sayed A. Rahman Sayed Mohd mentioned that this temporary home for the homeless would be open throughout the day and doors are closed from 11pm till 5am.
Contrary to what most people would think, this center surprisingly not only takes in the homeless but also people that are looking for jobs in Johor Bahru and Singapore, as reported by The Star.
Occupants are mostly people in their 40s and an average of 10 to 40 people have been staying at Anjung Singgah since they opened in June 2013.
NWFM not only provides shelter for these neglected people, but also finds relevant jobs according to their qualifications from employers registered with them
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Baru chapter deputy chairman Velasamy S. Pillai said the body supplied volunteers who helped to manage the meals besides giving basic medical assistance around the clock,” he said.
He said the centre, which could accommodate 95 people at a time, had a dormitory for men and women on separate floors.
“There are also several family rooms for mothers with little children. There is also a dining area on the ground floor and lockers for people to keep their items,” he said, adding that they were also allocated a floor with desks and computers where occupants can work on their resumes to apply for jobs.
However, due to their lack of expertise in dealing with alcoholics, drug users and anyone with diseases, Anjung Singgah does not take in such people at the moment
Sayed said they took in anyone as long as they were not alcoholics or those with diseases or addictions such as drugs.
“We are unable to take such people in at this moment as you need expertise in dealing with such people. We also have to worry about the safety of the others staying here,” he said.
People from all walks of life, coming to the city for greener pastures have benefited from this concept
For out-of-towners coming to the city searching for a better life, just a stroke of bad luck can leave them homeless.
Resident Yusniza Jamal, 26, from Johor, said Anjung Singgah has made it possible for her to survive. “I came to Kuala Lumpur without a job and a place to stay in. I’m glad to have found out about Anjung Singgah from a friend.” She was able to stay in Anjung Singgah while looking for a job to support herself.
“The longest you can stay here is two weeks, but the management of Anjung Singgah has been very understanding in my case,” she added.
Another resident, Kamil Salleh, 63, also from Johor, has spent the last 10 months in Anjung Singgah.
“I am lucky that the management of the centre is compassionate. If they had been strict, I would have been thrown out long ago,” he said.
He has found it difficult to land a job because many employers do not want elderly people like him.
currentbuzz.my
Anjung Singgah was first started in Kuala Lumpur back in 2011, followed by Kuching in October 2012
He added that their projects in Kuala Lumpur, which started in 2011, and in Kuching last year, have been successful.
“We hope to duplicate this success in Johor Baru as we hope that this centre will help bring about hope to the homeless.
Anjung Singgah in Kuala Lumpur is located at Jalan Hang Lekiu and provides basic facilities along with counselling rooms, medical examinations and interviews.
The Kuching branch is located at Jalan Rubber and a major part of its occupants are people looking for jobs in Kuching city.