Residents of Charis Mantin Welfare Institution. — Courtesy photos
Being elderly and without family or a place to call home is a reality for many.
For some of these individuals, Charis Mantin Welfare Institution has been a lifeline.
This non-profit organisation offers free essential services, from medical care to personal counselling and balanced meals.
Charis Mantin, which has been serving the vulnerable since 1998, is now looking at building a permanent home to continue its aid involving elderly residents and children in need.
Originally based in Hulu Langat, Selangor, the institution relocated to Mantin, Negri Sembilan, in 2013.
A year later the Charis Love U Children Centre was established to provide free academic tutoring and meals to disadvantaged children.
It also has a daycare programme for children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Since its inception, Charis Mantin has cared for over 100 elderly individuals and supported 49 children.
But its current facilities can only accommodate 25 senior residents and hold activities for 10 children.
“With that limitation, coupled with rental issues, the institution decided to buy land in Taman Bukit Belian, Mantin, in 2019,” said Charis Mantin chairman Siah Ah Po.
Elderly residents doing simple chores to give them a sense of purpose in the home.
“However, the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down construction planning and progress.”
He said after the pandemic, the building committee engaged a quantity surveyor company to finalise the total construction cost that came to RM3mil.
The committee included an architect, an engineer and three representatives from the home.
The planned two-and-a-half-storey building will house 40 elderly residents and 20 children in their activities.
Facilities will include a mini garden, multipurpose hall and exercise equipment for the elderly.
“The new building promises to provide a safe, supportive and permanent home for many more,” Siah said.
He said they also wanted residents to feel like they were living in a home instead of a hospital.
“By involving the elderly in simple housework, we give them a sense of purpose and foster a family-like environment.”
To date, Charis Mantin has raised RM1.6mil of the RM3mil needed for the project.
They now seek the balance of RM1.4mil to realise their dream of a permanent, loving home for the vulnerable.
Donations to Charis Mantin are tax-deductible.
For details, call 010-366 2952 or visit charis-charity.com
