JEDDAH: The deterioration of the social, security and economic conditions of shelter homes, and the poor health of people living in them were the focus of a discussion yesterday at the Ministry of Social Affairs’ regional office.
Ali Al-Hinaki, general director of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Makkah province, announced the formation of a committee to follow up on shelter homes in the cities of Makkah and Taif.
He added that the committee would operate in a similar fashion to the Jeddah committee, which was set up earlier.
“Drugs and prostitution are common problems among people living inside shelters, as there are no rules to govern them. Health and security problems occur. Yet the need for these shelter homes is urgent,” said Al-Hinaki.
Shelter homes, or “ribats,” are places that provide accommodation to the homeless and the poor. Ribats are either run by the government or funded by individuals.
Adel Batterji, chairman of the Committee for Shelter Homes in Jeddah, highlighted some of the group’s achievements over the past two years.
“In all, there were 14 government-run shelters in Jeddah. Four of them are occupied, four have been evacuated for safety reasons, three have been given away for investment and four have been abandoned,” said Batterji.
He added that of the 42 privately-run shelter homes some are abandoned and some are under renovation. He stressed the need for strict security and social measures to ensure that occupants of these homes remain safe.
Batterji also underscored the importance of gathering information about the shelter homes in order to prepare a general plan for improving their functioning. “We’re preparing a database on the requirements of these homes. In addition, so much work has been done by our field officers to improve their condition,” said Batterji.
Dania Kabli, manager of shelters and elderly care homes at Al-Birr Charitable Society, made a multimedia presentation to hammer home the poor state of some shelters.
“This is where an 80-year-old woman lives by herself,” said Kabli, pointing to a decrepit room. “The woman is sick. She suffers from obesity and arteriosclerosis (a condition in which the arterial wall thickens and loses its elasticity).”
Kabli also showed the picture of a home without electricity that is occupied by six orphans. The roof of the house was about to fall apart.
“Our goal is to help these people by providing advice and practical assistance. We want to improve the lives of the homeless and those who live in poor housing,” said Kabli.
