Homeless get hope from new movement

The Rolling Stones sang it back in 1969. And now squatters’ rights advocates are singing the praises of a new non-government agency "committed to help the homeless to become productive."

The Gimme Shelter Movement Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit institution "committed to alleviate the standard of living of the poorest of the poor, making them productive members of society through a holistic approach," said movement president Hermogenes Alonso during its launching yesterday in Libis, Quezon City.

The movement, a social welfare agency, was also inspired by a verse from the Bible: "Come follow me," Jesus said, "I will make you fishers of men."

Alonso said one of the goals of the agency is to increase the Gross Development Product (GDP) of the country by providing the homeless with jobs and livelihood.

He said they would seek support from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to provide employment matching to heads of squatter families.

"This is a rehabilitation program for the homeless. The uniqueness also is in the assistance in job placement matching and home relocation," he said.

The agency will conduct assessment tests for jobs and livelihood programs in 30 days.

It will also push for the passage of a Homeless Shelter Bill, making the existence of shelters for the homeless mandatory in all municipalities, Alonso said.

He added the agency would support related projects of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Gimme Shelter Movement aims "to rehabilitate a target group using spiritual and psychological modalities, adapted to the requirements of society," according to Alonso.

He said there were many people interested in volunteering their time and services to the rehabilitation program. Most of the volunteers come from Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and University of Sto. Tomas.