On Tuesday 8th May, 2007 there was a fire at the Credo Centre, 19 Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain. It destroyed the third floor and loft of that building which included the Centre’s dormitory, office and storage areas. The young men resident at that Centre have been relocated temporarily to our transitional facility – Aylward House – in Belmont.

However, due to the extent of the damage and the imminent East Port-of-Spain Development, we have been advised by the Ministry of Social Development not to repair or renovate this building. Therefore we are scouting for new sites in Port-of-Spain for construction of a new Centre.

Credo Centre’s Present Needs

Until we can relocate to a new permanent location we need to provide accessible facilities in Port-of-Spain for the:

• Drop-in and residential facility for socially displaced young men
• Developmental programmes and activities that serve the needs of our residents and their families
• Support services for the families of our residents and those in need in the community
• Administrative office for the Centre’s activities

We need to identify land for the construction of a new Centre and will need significant professional and financial assistance to complete this project.

How Can Individuals Help

Donations to Credo Foundation for Justice: Republic Bank Limited, Promenade Centre, Account Number – 0905 778 356 01

Cheques may be sent to Holy Faith Sisters, 17 Warren Street, Woodbrook

Donations of items necessary to the Centre’s operations and that will meet the residents’ needs:

• Puzzle books and educational games
• Stationery for students and the office
• Sports equipment (e.g. tennis balls, cricket bats, footballs and pumps)
• powdered milk
• laundry detergent
• cheddar cheese

How Can Companies Help

Once the details have been finalised the Board of Management will produce a formal proposal outlining the construction project. We would then invite corporate citizens to be our partners in the purchase of land and the construction of a new Centre.

THANK YOU

We are very, very grateful to all those who have supported us. Thank you to all those who have called, brought supplies, offered donations, visited us, offered advice and in so many ways been good friends and family to us at this time.

Thank you so much.

We are thankful that the children are safe. They are coping well and adjusting to the changes. We are working together to maintain a positive and - as much as we can - a structured environment in order to continue to meet their education and development goals.

We continue to be committed to being aware of and responding to the needs of those who are vulnerable in our community. We look forward to the new possibilities that will emerge as we face this present challenge.