ONE CAINTA COMMUNITY SHELTER FINALLY OPENS
May 2, 2023
A first of its kind and fully-run by the local government, Cainta finally opened its Shelter for the Homeless, along the Westbank Floodway in Barangay San Andres last March 29, 2023. This was a major project by former Mayor Kit Nieto, which was grounded to a pause during the pandemic.
Former Mayor Kit, now Municipal Administrator, saw the need for people, whether living in Cainta or transients, to be sheltered from the elements, for a place to stay, to clean up, to eat and to sleep, instead of living in benches, sidewalks or elsewhere. The Nightwatch Team patrols the entire municipality for the homeless and transports them to the shelter, where they are ably attended by social workers and volunteers.
The shelter is also open to walk-ins, beginning 5:00 in the afternoon. There are social workers onsite to assess their needs, whether it is transportation fare to their province, a hot, decent meal, medical attention or a new beginning in life. There are separate quarters for men and women.
On the second floor of the shelter is an evacuation center, which is designed mainly for Westbank settlers’ need during typhoon/monsoon season. When not in use, it can serve as a basketball court.
