HONG KONG (SE): MercyHK’s new homeless centre, located on the ground floor of Shanghai Street 192, was blessed by John Cardinal Tong Hon on November 14.
The cardinal said the centre reminds people to follow the example of good Samaritans. He shared that he was already impressed by the charity services of MercyHK when, during a recent priest study camp, he had a chance to visit the Doctor Jesus Centre, set up by MercyHK for meetings with homeless people, drug addicts, domestic workers, asylum seekers, and the MercyHK Canteen staffed by former prisoners. While the places were not big, he believes they show the great love of God which touched him a lot.
Oblate Father John Wotherspoon, founder of MercyHK, expressed joy over its establishment. He said that with a centre, it is more convenient for the staff to talk to the homeless, build relationships, understand their needs, encourage them to transition into proper housing, and help them access government support.
The blessing ceremony was attended by Father Stephen Ip, parish priest of St. Paul’s Parish, Yau Ma Tei, assistant parish priest Father Gabriel Hisayoshi Moriguchi PIME, staff members, volunteers, friends as well as around 10 homeless people who often come to the centre
Supported by two case workers, a social worker, a nurse, a clinical psychologist and other staff members, the centre offers day time shelter, faith sharing groups, and support for homeless individuals. There is a meeting room, toilets, bathrooms and a pantry. Showers, lunches, phone charging, TV, clothes, and food are also provided for free. Additionally, it will pay for laundry services if the homeless patronise laundry shops.
…with a centre, it is more convenient for the staff to talk to the homeless, build relationships, understand their needs, encourage them to transition into proper housing, and help them access government support
Lee, a homeless man in his 60s, shared that he had known Father Wotherspoon for a long time as he often visited him in prison. He said that finding a place to stay at Mcdonald’s or playgrounds used to be a source of much anxiety, but the centre has given him a sense of home with air-conditioning, a place to sit down, phone charging services and people to talk to.
He regularly joins faith sharing groups here and finds it comfortable to attend Mass. He is also happy to help with volunteer work in the centre, such as distributing meals in the streets and the cleaning work.
Shirley Lee Siu-yuk, case worker of the centre, recounted that after its establishment a month ago, around 10 homeless people, who used to lead a lonely life, often gathered in the centre, became friends and formed a community.
Lee, who has worked with the homeless for years, said that a centre like this had been her “dream”. She recalled that since the Covid-19 pandemic she had been searching out the homeless in fastfood restaurants and street corners, accompaning them by organising gatherings for them and giving them food.
She could see that being homeless deprived them of their ability to socialise as they are not welcome to talk even in fastfood restaurants.
Another problem is hypertension and other health issues, probably caused by a lack of healthy diet from eating the leftovers from fastfood restaurants or the general lack of care for their health. For this reason, a part-time nurse is stationed at the centre to help them check their blood pressure and monitor their health issues.
[Lee] could see that being homeless deprived them of their ability to socialise as they are not welcome to talk even in fastfood restaurants
Since she started working with MercyHK, she has persuaded nearly 20 elderly homeless people to live in nearby nursing homes. She regularly visits them with other volunteers and leads faith sharing sessions.
She has not seen any serious discipline problems with the homeless in the centre as most of them have respect for volunteers and staff.
Candy Lau Lai-ling is another case worker helping individuals struggling with drug addiction. She explained that referrals are made based on the specific needs of the homeless to rehabilitation groups of the centre, hospitals or rehabilitation institutes. She said that the centre organises two group gatherings led by former drug addicts and social workers every week.
Eddie Chan Chi-kong, director of MercyHK, shared that when a homeless individual first comes to the centre, staff members will simply give what they want to make them feel comfortable. He recounted that most sat quietly with a heavy heart at first, probably due to previous traumas. They looked clean and refreshed after showers and new clothes. With the support of a clinical psychologist and a community, they were gradually able to open up.
He said that the ultimate goal is to allow them to feel the love of God as demonstrated by the unconditional concern of the staff.
As the temperature drops with the approach of winter, the centre welcomes donations of suitable clothing for the homeless.
