The Faces of Homelessness
Commemorates National Hunger and Homelessness Week
November 12, 2006
St. Thomas, USVI
EVENT SUMMARY
Sunday, November 12, 2006 started off like any other day. Intermittent bouts of rain seemed to put a
damper on this event. Not so. Members and volunteers of God's House International Inc. gathered at the
Market Square to carry out their plans to provide health screenings, food, clothing and even portable
shower for the homeless population of the St. Thomas USVI community. There were also several guest
speakers , Dr. Celia Victor who spoke on addictions and homelessness, Dr. Pat Cummins whose topic was
Homeless Control programs that have worked in other jurisdictions. The food was plentiful and with the
help of the Caribe Trade winds Lodge, God's House was able to feed almost 100 people. Dr. Barbara
Stright, a true warrior, as well as a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, conducted the blood
pressure, glucose and cholesterol screening singled handedly. Approximately 25 people were screened
and one person, who was an undiagnosed diabetic, was referred to the hospital for immediate care. All of
the homeless individuals who attend the affair had an opportunity to shower in one of two portable
showers that were made available. One was donated by Mr. Lew Henley and the other, a camping shower
was donated by Cecile, a concerned community resident. The day was topped off by the passing out of
"hygiene kits" that were donated by Mrs. Sherry Anderson and her co-workers as well as God's House
International. No one left empty handed. When the food ran out, everyone was given a "goodie bag" filled
with crackers, peanuts, an apple and a juice drink. All in all, the event, which was the first of it's kind for
the St. Thomas community was very successful. Special Thanks goes out to all who donated and
participated especially Ms. Genevieve Baird who sang "Each One Reach One", Senator-at-Large Craig
Barshinger, Colleen Monroe, Merlin, Dr. Barbara Stright, Desiree Lambertis, Ms. Lopez, and all who gave
a donation of any sought.
God's House volunteers serving the food.
Attendees enjoying the food and socializing.
University of Virgin Island's Dr. Barbara Stright
administering the health screenings.
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University of Virgin Island's Dr. Barbara Stright
administering the health screenings.
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(left to right) Lauris Harley, Dr. Pat Cummins, Senator
Craig Barshinger, Yvonne Washington-Turay, Wanston
Jarvis
The rain doesn't stop the Cause.
Senator Craig Barshinger and Yvonne Washington-Turay
in front of the God's House poster board.
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Event Committee
Ms. Lauris Harley, Event Coordinator
Ms. Nusaiba Jackson, Administrative
Ms. Yvonne Washington-Turay, Founder
Volunteers
Ms. Sherry Anderson
Ms. Willie Jones-Franquel
Ms. Dawn Wilson
Ms. Genieve Beard
Contributors
Sherry Anderson
Bellows International (Business)
Laura Benjamin
Janice Brooks
Dawn Brown
Monique Chetram
Dr. Pat Cummins
Sandra Forbes
GH Jewelry Center (Business)
Gold Land (Business)
Mr. Harley
Lew Henley
Edith Hines
Mark Hodge
Robert Hunt
Michelle Joshua
Keur Khadim
Desiree Lambertis, University of the Virgin
Islands (Nursing)
Jenny Leslie
Liz Mahoney
Collette Monoroe
Angela Petty
Tahlia Rivera
Dr. Barbara Stright, University of the Virgin
Islands (Nursing)
Julian Tavasti
Mr and Mrs. Totwani
Dr. Celia Victor