Situated at Lower Independence Avenue in the City of San Fernando, Trinidad, the Home started as a dismal looking ill-lit building on the outskirts of San Fernando to become a show piece Home for the Aged now in the heart of the city.

The facility was built on a parcel of land rented from Caroni Limited after an approach to G.B. Westwood, the General Manager of Usine Ste. Madeleine Sugar Company. He liked the idea and subsequently a lease for 99 years was drawn up and the property was leased to E.M. Lucky, Budri Ramkissoon and Victor Ramsaran in their individual capacities. After their death the property with the kind co-operation of the lessors was vested in the Incorporated Trustees of the Presbyterian Church.

The pioneers who started this shelter were Messrs. Emmanuel Lucky, Budri Ramkissoon, Mohammed H. Shah, Victor Ramsaran and Johnathan Sinanan. It was always the intention of the founding fathers to have the community of San Fernando involved in the running of the facility and so, although sponsored by the Susumachar Presbyterian Church its first Hon. Secretary, Mohammed H. Shah was a muslim as was its second, Shafeyei M. Shah and its third, Yvonne Shah who later became Vice-President.

The formal opening of the “Night Shelter,” later more popularly known as “the Poor House,” was done by the then Governor, His Excellency Sir Claude Hollis in a function chaired by Victor Ramsaran. It was at that time suggested that the Shelter become an adjunct of the House of Refuge in Port of Spain. Its first superintendent was J.R. Sinanan.

It was the intention of the founding fathers to have the pavement dwellers have a more comfortable place in which to spend the night other than under a store although it must be said that this noble intention never fully materialized.

In 1945, Dora Ibberson, advisor to the Government on Social Welfare Services, was influential in having the Shelter remodeled into a Home for the Aged and broadened its horizons to include person of other ethnic groups.

In 1946, Joyce Burnham, the new Social Advisor to the government suggested that persons who slept at the Shelter should pay a nominal fee; but in the early days there were very few who came to use the Shelter. It was then decided to seek the help of the Police who rounded up the pavement dwellers who were then ordered by the Magistrate – the names of Magistrate John Brathwaite and Arthur Busby come to mind – to sign personal bonds and to use the Night Shelter as their place of rest. This worked for only so long: “home” was under the store.

In 1955 Rev. J.A. Ramjit, then Minister of the Susamachar Church, together with Shafeyei M. Shah and Selwyn Ali in particular, would take time off to pray with, encourage and identify with the residents and encourage them. Hannah Bhoopsingh, daughter of the Shelter’s first superintendent, was a constant visitor to the Shelter and encouraged many persons to assist in its running.

In 1960, Lenny Sumadh, a Roman Catholic, was elected chairman of the Committee which runs the Home. Due to his involvement with the Lion’s Club of San Fernando, and with the help of his Lion friend, Goor Hassanali, he expanded the Shelter to include a wing to cater for the blind persons. Members of the Committee also contributed $100.00 each towards this wing. At this time Mr. and Mrs. Mahapeth were the superintendents of the facility.

After Lenny Sumadh’s passing away in 1987, Carl Mohan became Chairman and Molly Dookie, Hon. Secretary. Much was done to repair and beautify the buildings and grounds and the Home developed into an attractive place.

After the untimely death of Carl Mohan Mrs. Hannah Bhoopsingh Yamim-Ali became Chairperson. Later she was honoured as the Committee’s first Honorary Member. Her leadership is marked by the organization of the records of the Home.

In 1995 Dr. Allan Mc Kenzie was elected Chairman. Under his leadership the Home has made great strides, the major accomplishment being the erection of a beautiful and sturdy two-storey building comprising rooms and the necessary facilities.

During the years the Home has been helped and serviced by individuals and groups too numerous to mention. They come from all faiths and from all walks of life. Doctors have given their services free of charge to the residents, so have social workers. God Bless them all.