Shechinah offers hope and 2nd chances to those in need

Life’s unpredictability can turn stability into chaos in an instant. Whether due to a wrong decision, an unexpected event, or a sudden illness, the impact can be devastating.

For those without a safety net, finding a way back can be nearly impossible.

That’s where Shechinah, a halfway house dedicated to helping individuals who have hit rock bottom, steps in to offer a lifeline.

Shechinah: A sanctuary for the displaced

At Shechinah, individuals from all walks of life find refuge.

“In the 10 years we have been running Shechinah, we’ve seen people who once had lives others only dream of,” says James Issachar, the Founder of Shechinah.

The halfway house has opened its doors to a diverse group of residents, including those who once thrived in comfort and success.

One such individual was a wealthy bus company owner who, after his family succession plans fell apart, turned to Shechinah for companionship and support.

Ramkumar (pic above), a 57-year-old former pest controller, is another example of how Shechinah changes lives.

After years of success, his business collapsed, leaving him with nowhere to turn. Ramkumar sought refuge at Shechinah while his family remained in Kluang.

“Ramkumar had been with us for three months, and we were helping him restart his pest control work. He had trained some of our residents to help,” James recounts.

But fate had other plans. Ramkumar suffered a severe infection after stepping on a nail, leading to the amputation of his leg.

Despite this setback, his spirit remains unbroken, and he continues to work towards obtaining a prosthetic limb and rebuilding his business.

Pravin Gobi (pic above), a 35-year-old former e-hailing driver, also found solace at Shechinah after a series of unfortunate events.

His livelihood was destroyed during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing him to take out a loan from online scammers.

His mother had to use her RM30,000 savings to pay off the debt, leaving the family in financial ruin.

To make matters worse, Pravin now suffers from a mysterious ailment that has left both of his feet severely swollen and bandaged.

Despite his challenges, Pravin remains hopeful, stating, “If I have some money to rent a car from the e-hailing company, I can start working again because I still have the Public Service License (PSV), and despite my feet, I can still drive.”

The new home: Challenges and opportunities

In July, Shechinah relocated to a new two-story detached house in a guarded community in Plentong, Johor Bahru. This move represents both challenges and opportunities for the halfway house.

“The rent is much lower, only RM1,000 a month, which means even the necessary deposits were affordable,” James notes.

The new location provides ample space for new projects, including horticulture and fertigation, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and offering training opportunities for residents.

However, the new house requires significant repairs and improvements.

“There’s still some work to be done,” James admits, estimating that RM6,000 is needed to make the house comfortable for its residents.

Currently, Shechinah houses eight residents, all of whom face severe medical challenges.

From Ramkumar, who is an amputee, to others with debilitating health issues, the residents rely on Shechinah for support as they work to rebuild their lives.

While the previous halfway house accommodated both men and women, the new home’s layout only allows for male residents.

This limitation has prompted James to consider establishing a separate halfway house for women, particularly for survivors of domestic abuse.

“We don’t charge them or their families,” James explains. “If they receive allowances from the welfare department, they keep that.”

Shechinah’s broader mission: Extending a helping hand

In addition to running the halfway house, Shechinah is involved in several other charitable projects.

While some initiatives, like the tuition project in Kangkar Pulai, are currently on hold due to a lack of volunteers, others continue to make a significant impact.

The “Meals of Hope and Love” program, led by Mdm Helen Boh, provides 100 meals a week to those in need, involving residents in meal preparation and fostering a sense of community.

As Shechinah looks to the future, they rely heavily on donations to sustain their work.

“Running the halfway house, providing meals, helping the rural Orang Asli, counselling, and sponsoring youth who want to continue obtaining skills are some of the projects that require donations,” James emphasises.

With a fundraising event in the works for next year, Shechinah remains hopeful for continued support.

Until then, the call for donations is clear: those willing to help can contribute directly to Shechinah or through Sokong, knowing that their contributions are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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