By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
GREAT Commission Ministries needs over $200,000 this holiday season to help the increasing number of people seeking food and housing, according to Bishop Walter Hanchell, founder and president of Great Commission Ministries.
He told The Tribune that in recent months, the non-profit has experienced a surge in requests for basic assistance. He explained that many seeking aid are government workers and low-income workers struggling to sustain themselves until their next paycheck. Additionally, the organisation’s two shelters are at full capacity due to a shortage of affordable housing in the country.
“Our resources are stretched to the limit,” Bishop Hanchell said. “Our food is being depleted, funds are being depleted, and people keep coming. Two to three hours before we start serving, people are already waiting because they need help.”
He estimated that Great Commission Ministries needs between $200,000 to $300,000 to fund its feeding and shelter programmes over the holiday season.
In May, a fire at Great Commission Ministries destroyed a storage room filled with food, furniture, and equipment, with repair costs estimated at $40,000. Since then, about 50 percent of the repairs have been completed, but Bishop Hanchell said an additional $20,000 is still needed.
Despite limited funds, Bishop Hanchell confirmed that Great Commission Ministries will hold its annual Thanksgiving luncheons on November 21 and November 28 to serve up to 2,000 people.
He emphasised that the high cost of living has left many Bahamians unable to make ends meet and urged the government to provide more support for low-income and middle-class families who cannot afford basic necessities. He stressed that increased funding for NGOs is essential.
Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis sparked backlash after connecting the cost of living to people’s choices. Responding to a University of The Bahamas study estimating that a middle-class family of four needs around $10,000 monthly to live comfortably in New Providence, Mr Davis acknowledged high costs but noted that individual lifestyle choices also influence expenses.
Mr Davis later clarified his remarks.
Bishop Hanchell disagreed with Mr Davis’s initial comments, saying people simply do not earn enough to cover the high cost of living.
“People don’t have it,” he said. “Most government workers and others in the country, their salary is not enough. By the time they pay rent and bank payments, they’re broke all month, and we have to keep taking care of these people.”
Comments
bahamianson 1 day, 8 hours ago
As long as people are alive there will be a group whom need help. The paper is always plastered with everyone wanting money. Govetnment always wants more taxes, unions are always crying for more money, people always 2ant more, and more , and more. It never ends. How about people start giving to those whom always vive to them? The saying is, " know your limits because the people whom always ask for something do not know their limit.
birdiestrachan 1 day, 7 hours ago
Mr Davis is right the bishop is wrong many not all live above their means to begin with many of us can start with eating less, the cost of living is universal Mr Trump says he will fix it apparently he can walk on water and calm the seas , time will tell
realfreethinker 1 day, 6 hours ago
Why is the need so great when we gov has competing interest in social services and urban renewal. Something is not right
TalRussell 1 day, 6 hours ago
All dressed, election ready. -- Since we're on the topic of feeding. --- Sounding like Guardian96.9FM -- The Foundation with Comrade Howard Grant 12 to 2 pm -- Has put on his on air menu's -- Big Boy 100% Cotton Political Trousers - IN search any opening to contest for a House of Assembly seat, or Senate appointment. -- Yes?
hrysippus 23 hours, 9 minutes ago
I jus wanna know; how many employees, including his "Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord bishop, does that have that the business must pay National Insurance Tax on? Also, is the business currently "Up to date"? LOL,
buddah17 11 hours, 49 minutes ago
He should NOT be stating a $$ amount, only the fact that they need donations to feed the poor. And why does ti have to be cash?? If it's to feed the poor, how about donated food items, and a place /time(s)for the people to pick them up from?
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