Shamsul sleeps on the streets and sometimes stays in his friend’s room whenever it’s convenient. He had been out of a job for almost four months when he applied to work as a steward in Mandarin Oriental Hotel about two weeks ago.

Having been hired however, he could not afford to buy a pair of safety shoes, which is a compulsory safety requirement in order to work in a kitchen. As a result, he had no option but to abandon the idea.

Kwok Wai speaking to Shamsul when we met up to take him shoe shopping!

Shamsul tries on his new pair of shoes for work

Last week, Kechara Soup Kitchen volunteers came across Shamsul during the usual midnight food distribution rounds, and came to know of his problem. After checking with Mandarin Oriental Hotel, we decided to buy him a pair of safety shoes which costs RM65 and Shamsul reported to work on Saturday. He is getting RM5 per hour, and is guaranteed 12 hours work for every day he is required. Shamsul is currently working part time while waiting for a permanent slot to be available.

Our Project Director Justin Cheah makes the purchase

He was very happy telling us that he is now able to make some money and will soon be able to afford his own room…and as happy as Shamsul is, we are equally happy that we have been able to help another person on their way to being out of homelessness!