The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A KEMP Road community centre that burned down earlier this month is seeking at least $250,000 to rebuild and restart its operations.

The centre, located on the compound of Eljhay’s Hilltop Cottage Ministries on Sutton Street, has served the community for 24 years, providing food assistance, clothing, after-school programmes, summer camps, counselling, elderly care, and shelter.

Pastor Laura Johnson-Taylor, founder of the ministry, said there has been no cleanup since the fire. She noted that her son’s fiancée launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds, but so far, only one donation of $120 has been received.

The fire destroyed the centre’s bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen, and storage area, along with months’ worth of food supplies. Several televisions, computers, and children’s bicycles were also damaged.

Pastor Johnson-Taylor explained that donations would help rebuild the structure, including six rooms necessary to restart their work.

At the time of the fire, three people were staying at the center. Her daughter is now living with her fiancé, her “spiritual son” is staying at her home, and her brother is sleeping on a nearby porch.

She acknowledged that the loss has deeply impacted those who relied on the centre’s services.

“It has negatively impacted them very badly because right now we haven’t stopped, but we’re stuck on a small scale,” she said. “We cannot do all that we were doing, but we’re still actively working.”

She added that they are still distributing supplies and trying to assist seniors as best as possible, ensuring they receive baths three times a week and are taken to their medical appointments.

The centre is appealing for donations to assist with its rebuilding efforts.