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The Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel is more than a facility of convenience. As its Mission Statement would suggest, it exists “to provide adequate care and shelter in a loving, productive environment for children from birth to eleven years.”
Born out of necessity in the early 1960’s, the BCEH initially began as a facility to assist pregnant women in the outlying islands who had to relocate to the capital area for their delivery. The need being served was to provide temporary shelter for the woman’s other children in her absence. As a result, a temporary care shelter was opened in 1962 by a group of clergymen in the Oakes Field area for newborn babies and children up to 11 years old.
The Kiwanis Club of Nassau later erected a building in the south-western district of New Providence, thereby starting a formal emergency placement facility. Eventually in 1970, the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization, providing that facility started by the Kiwanis Club administrative and financial management. The BCEH transformed that initial purpose into one of providing temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care and any other necessities for the assistance of children abandoned and neglected as a result of various crises faced by the family, e.g. parent going to jail, parent being deported, parent with drug addiction, abuse in the home, etc.
The BCEH is capable of housing approximately 35 children at any given time, however as the needs of children become more varied and complex, the entire gamut of their needs can only ideally be served with a smaller clientele. Philip Stubbs, the current treasurer and executive member of the board, reflects on a significant moment in the history of the BCEH, when the Mother’s Club took over the administration before another important milestone was achieved – the partnership with the Department of Social Services. This provided the opportunity to improve the childcare aspect by appointing an administrator and acquire greater access to financial support.
Today, the institution is a home away from home. Katie Gardiner, the current administrator, asserts the word ‘home’ in describing the facility, as it is more than just a shelter and actually functions to replace the biological environment the children are forced to leave. There exists a structure the children can rely upon for support, all within a nurturing environment. For example, a birthday party is held each month for the residents. Although local restaurants sponsor some of the parties, the hostel prides itself as being the best venue yet where dancing and playtime combine to bring the children a lot of joy and camaraderie.
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