Ħamrun Drop-in Centre
Opened in May 2023, the Ħamrun Drop-in Centre provides roofless individuals with their basic necessities while they are waiting to be allocated a place and programme in one of our homeless shelters.
This project was born from the imperative to still provide essential care to those who could otherwise not be accommodated due to shelter overcapacity. Research carried out by YMCA Malta between 2018-2022 indicated that overburdened shelters were overwhelmingly the reason we could not accept cases being referred to us (see pg. 31). The Drop-in Centre thus marks the bridge between immediate, crucial care, and longer-term placement in one of our shelters.
The Centre provides free, self-service laundry, bathing and cooking facilities, as well as access to lockers, internet and clothing and linen donations. The Centre also acts as a vital link between service users and professional social and youth workers.
Currently over 40 users are making use of this facility daily, or around 1200–1500 individuals per month.
Location
4 Triq L-Iskola, Il-Ħamrun, Malta
Opening Hours:
Mon—Fri: 09:00—15:00
Visit by Hon. Michael Falzon – Minister for Social Policy & Children’s Rights
Translation: ‘I recently visited the Drop-In Centre run by the YMCA in Ħamrun. I spoke to the workers running this centre, as well as its users about the challenges they face and how we can be supportive. The more I visit these centres and homes, the more I continue to strengthen my belief in social policy, so that together with my friends I will continue to work for the good of our society.’
