By Taipei News Team, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
On May 26 2017, the Linkou Homeless Shelter in New Taipei City held a grand opening ceremony for the Vocational Preparation Plan for the homeless. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, Taipei Center was invited to the ceremony.
Linkou Homeless Shelter is entrusted to the New Taipei City Volunteer Association by the Social Welfare Department of New Taipei City Government to provide aid to the homeless. The New Taipei City Volunteer Association proposed a program called “Vocational Preparation for the Homeless,” providing professional skill training for the residents of Linkou Homeless Shelter as well as those homeless individuals who come for help. The program works with homeless people by helping them to increase social interactions, and in this way assist the participants to get back into society.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association assisted Linkou Homeless Shelter to carry out this vocational preparation plan. Our Association members repaired the fence around the water tower, painted the woodwork, built the coffee bar balcony, and contributed a pre-owned coffee machine. We also offered five tons of high quality carpets to help maintain the appearance and safety of the shelter so our homeless friends can have better facilities and an equipped vocational preparation environment.
The Director of the Department of Social Assistance and Social Work of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Ms. Li Mei-Jen, the Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department of New Taipei City Government Ms. Chang Ching-Li, and Deputy Commissioner Ms. Lu Chun-Ping, all attended to the ceremony to encourage the attendees. Director Li Mei-Jen expressed her gratitude on stage for the organizations attending the ceremony: Yuan Heng Temple Taipei Lecture Hall, Tsai Eng-Meng Charitable Foundation, New Taipei City Linkou District Executive, Buddhist Huai Ren Charity Foundation, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and local community volunteer groups.
Director Li also expressed her admiration for the Chairman of the New Taipei City Volunteer Association Mr. Lu Li-Min, the Director Ms. Huang Mei-Ying and all volunteer groups. In addition, she also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the central government for the Social Welfare Department, City Council and especially the NGOs. Director Li also communicated that she hopes the vocational preparation plan will be a success, and that the experience can be replicated to benefit other areas throughout Formosa.
The Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department Ms. Chang Ching-Li said that she visited Linkou Homeless Shelter in January 2016, and there has been a lot of improvement since. She also expressed her gratitude to the NGOs that have been donating all sorts of materials. Commissioner Chang presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the New Taipei City Mayor to the Buddhist Huai Ren Charity Foundation, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, and individuals who have helped the vocational preparation plan become a reality.
After the ceremony, the Chairman of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association mentioned that our Association has been providing both materials and workers to help Linkou Homeless Shelter operations. As Master said, “The more good you do for the world, the more good you will get. The more happiness you bestow on other people, the more happiness you will gain.” We would like to share these encouraging words from Master with our friends in Linkou Homeless Shelter, to have a positive, optimistic, and brave mindset to face the challenges ahead. We distributed Master’s The Real Love DVDs and the book From Crisis to Peace – The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer, and vegan recipes to each participant. May all homeless individuals will be blessed with opportunities to start a new and happy life filled with prosperity.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Linkou Homeless Shelter in New Taipei City, Formosa
Description | Amount (TWD) | Receipts |
Pre-owned coffee machin | 25,000 | A |
Water tower fence and coffee bar balcony | 67,584 | B |
Five tons of high quality carpets |
Contribution by our Association member | C |
Total | TWD 92,584 (US$3,073) |