What started as a compassionate thought to assist the homeless in George City has advanced into certainly one of Penang’s most celebrated neighborhood initiatives. The transit centre at Jalan C.Y. Choy, higher generally known as The Evening Shelter, has earned each native and worldwide recognition for its considerate design that blends heritage preservation with sustainability and social care.
Situated on the junction of Jalan C.Y. Choy and Jalan Journal, the centre stands on a 0.37-acre web site that includes a restored Twenties shophouse and a brand new three-storey extension, collectively providing about 17,500 sq ft of area. The challenge was initiated in 2018 by the Penang authorities and the Penang Island Metropolis Council (MBPP), with full state funding of RM4.4 million. Development started in 2020 and was accomplished two years later, with operations beginning in August 2023 beneath the Penang Social Welfare Division (JKM).
In accordance with MBPP’s constructing management division director, Rizuwan Salleh, the principle intention of the power is to offer instant help to people experiencing homelessness by providing secure lodging, hygiene amenities, and assist providers. The shelter can accommodate 80 residents, with separate dormitories for women and men. Different facilities embody a rooftop backyard, kitchen, eating corridor, and areas for coaching, studying, and NGO meals distribution.
Every resident is obtainable an preliminary two-week keep, throughout which JKM helps to seek out employment alternatives and longer-term housing. The keep could also be prolonged when needed. Along with lodging, residents participate in expertise coaching, motivational programmes, counselling, and well being screenings to assist them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
The challenge’s achievements have been extensively recognised. Amongst its newest honours are the Nationwide Power Award and ASEAN Power Award, positioning it as MBPP’s most profitable pilot initiative up to now. Rizuwan highlighted that the shelter was designed with a “triple web zero” method — a primary in Penang — geared toward minimising vitality, water, and waste consumption.
To realize this, the constructing options LED lighting with movement sensors, a 40kWp photo voltaic photovoltaic system, and a design that encourages pure airflow and daylight. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling programs are used for irrigation and bathroom flushing, whereas greater than 75% of development waste was recycled or reused. Natural waste is transformed into fertiliser for the compound’s greenery.
By combining the appeal of a heritage constructing with environmentally accountable design, the Evening Shelter stands as a mannequin for the way cities can method homelessness with dignity and sustainability.
“This initiative is not only about offering a spot to remain,” mentioned Rizuwan. “It’s about serving to individuals get better their confidence and transfer ahead.”
He added that MBPP hopes to duplicate the idea in different components of Penang, particularly past town centre. The challenge’s rising recognition underscores MBPP’s ongoing dedication to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) ideas into its operations, displaying that city improvement may be each compassionate and sustainable.
