The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services has provided financial support to the Centre for Displaced Persons in San Fernando in the form of a one-off $42,270 grant.The grant, which serves to aid the centre’s efforts to support socially displaced people in the southern city, forms part of its “holistic reintegration programme”, the ministry stated in a release on Wednesday.The centre’s chairman, Asad Yacoobali, it said, was presented the grant on Tuesday by Minister Vandana Mohit.It will provide counselling, psychotherapy, case management and related services for one year, the ministry said.In addition, it is expected to support the upgrade of sleeping facilities through the purchase of mattresses and pillows.Significant milestone“For the past ten years, the centre has provided a safe and supportive environment for socially displaced and homeless persons, primarily men requiring accommodation and assistance. Its clients include elderly persons, people with disabilities, employed persons and other vulnerable individuals.“The centre currently operates primarily through community and corporate donations, fundraising, member contributions and volunteer support. This is the first funding it has received from the Government, marking a significant milestone for the organisation,” the ministry said.According to the ministry, Mohit stated that its support for the non-governmental organisation was an investment into a stronger community. She said the organisation was deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and brings valuable knowledge of needs and circumstances.Vital support“By working in partnership with them, the ministry can extend its reach and ensure that support is responsive to the realities and needs of people at the community level,” she said.In a post to his Facebook page on Wednesday, Minister of Education and San Fernando West Member of Parliament Dr Michael Dowlath noted the centre had provided vital support to the displaced and vulnerable.“As Member of Parliament for San Fernando West, I welcome this investment in an organisation that continues to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.“I commend the management, staff, volunteers and supporters of the centre for their continued service to San Fernando,” he wrote.