Saving a Safe Haven for Hong Kong's Domestic Workers
The fund-raising campaign trying to keep Wan Chai's Haven shelter afloat.
For the past 8 years, the Haven has helped hundreds of domestic helpers who have been abused or thrown out of their homes without any money.
But now, one of the city's few shelters for domestic workers is under threat of closing.
The Haven is a shelter operated by religious charity New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, dedicated to providing temporary shelter for domestic helpers who have been abused or prematurely terminated and are in need of a place to stay.
“We have been self-operating from the generous offerings of our church members for the past 8 years, but the rising cost in rent and living expenses have made it almost impossible for us to continue,” says pastor Dan Borlado, who together with his wife Mary Lou are behind the shelter. “It would be a great loss to the [domestic worker] community if it were to close its doors.”
And so the Borlados have started a fund-raising campaign to try to keep the Haven going.