The Children's Emergency Hostel (CEH) is in a financial bind, according to its chairman, Arthur Peet.

The non-profit organization functions primarily on public donations, but the donations are not sufficient to cover the salaries of the staff and to maintain day-to-day operations, Peet said.

An annual grant provided by the Ministry of Social Services funds the management, welfare and health of the children of the state. The government allocated funds that are paid to the CEH semi-annually. These funds do not cover the upkeep of the grounds, Peet said.

The CEH is responsible for covering the cost of food, utilities, shelter, transportation, textbooks and uniforms for the children, ages one to 11.

Marita Ferguson, administrator at the hostel, said, "The hostel is going through a financial crisis right now, but we try our best to make sure the children receive two meals per day."

She mentioned that there is a shortage of drinking water for the children.

The lack of water is an issue as each child takes lunch and bottled water to school every day.

Feeding the 28 children regularly is a main priority for Ferguson and is one of the greatest challenges she faces on a daily basis.

Ferguson said the hostel receives petty cash weekly that is usually spent on groceries.

According to Philip Stubbs, financier of the hostel's Board of Directors, the budget sometimes exceeds $300,000 yearly.

Stubbs acknowledged that although the hostel receives food and clothing donations, costs run higher as there are limited monetary donations.

He added that they are challenged with using money saved for unexpected, but necessary expenses like roof and structural repairs.

At the CEH, covering payroll is a weekly issue.

"We have 27 staff [members] and that includes two cooks, a bus driver, the maids, child minders as well as administration," Ferguson said.

Staff members alternate three eight-hour shifts to fulfill the hostel's 24-hour operations.

The facility includes a nursery, boys and girls dormitories, kitchen, dining area, storage areas, and administrative offices.

The CEH raises money annually through its steak out, and its children's book project, which raised an estimated $25,000 last year.

On August 6, a steak-out will be held on the CEH grounds to raise funds for its ongoing expenses.

The steak-out is the hostel's major fundraising event. Organizers hope to raise $20,000.

Notable operations like Lynden Pindling International Airport and Bahamas Fast Ferries have supported the CEH through donations and fundraising initiatives in the past.

Jade Erin-Mitchell, Guardian Intern

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