Since MCO 1.0, the Bless the Community (BTC) initiative has provided hundreds of dinner meals to homeless and vulnerable individuals in Penang. Unlike some of the other food distribution efforts that supply food en masse on certain days, BTC aims to supply food daily to a more limited number of individuals (6) in central Georgetown. They want to provide constancy and long-term relief; so these vulnerable individuals do not have to stress about whether they will eat tomorrow.

BTC currently provides daily meals for 6 elderly homeless women in central Georgetown and distributes 40-50 dinner meals to a larger crowd of people on Sundays.

This fundraiser is organised by Our Stories Lah to contribute to the pool of funding necessary for BTC to continue their efforts. No amount of donation is too big or small.

The goal is RM10,000 and the funds will be spent in a 40:30:30 ratio for short-term: medium-term: long-term solutions for these individuals. Examples of these solutions are outlined below:

Short-term (immediate) = Providing homeless individuals with at least 1 meal a day

Medium-term (2-5 years) = Buying other needed items (e.g.: 2 year’s supply of adult diapers)

Long-term (5+ years) = Buying electrical items or getting repair work done (e.g.: Rice cookers, plumbing jobs to make rooms livable)

The issue of homelessness is complex, with different challenges presenting themselves at different points of the pandemic. Hence, items for spending under all three categories above will be prioritised according to BTC’s discretion, working with the homeless receivers themselves to craft out the best solutions for them.

By donating, you trust our judgement and that we will use the funds as effectively as possible. We will be presenting proof of purchases where appropriate.

Thank you for your kindness.

Our Stories Lah (OSL) is a youth-run storytelling initiative which hopes to share the stories of the people supported by the BTC initiative. It is our hope that by sharing more about their lives, we can raise awareness and put our resources together to help the community further.