Shelter Management Training

About Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs

The department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs(CDFHA) is a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA)
Community Development is a process by which people acquire mastery and control over their lives, their destiny, and the environment in which they live. Through this dynamic concept, groups of people within their community are empowered to move away from an undesirable situation to a new and better one.
The various aspects and services are significant by mostly using 1) a multi-departmental approach within the Government organization, amongst the departments that address community development and related social issues. 2) structural working relationship with the community councils and 3) NGOs to execute the programs and disseminate information.
Vision: To prevent socially deprived situations and to promote the general well-being of society.
Mission: To enhance the quality of living for the populace of St. Maarten
Goal: To bring about positive change and to facilitate developments that will enhance the lives of the people and their communities through social empowerment programs, district improvement program, and other existing services.
Services provided by CDFHA are but are not limited to counseling, referrals, and case management, executed via the various Community Help-desks, Helpdesk for the Elderly & Disabled, and Women's Desk.
The Programs executed are mainly with the relevant NGOs, GOs, and Community Councils, according to all parties' set objectives to ensure a wider community inclusion and encourage community-based participation for the identified programs.
The Community Help-desks are located as follows and the contact numbers of the Community Officers are:
>>> Neighborhood Location
St. Peters Community Helpdesk
St. Peters Road #31 ( Rupert Maynard Community Center)
Community Officer:
Ms. Jacqueline Gumbs
+1721-520-3418
>>> Neighborhood Location
Cole Bay Community Helpdesk
Union Road, Cole Bay (Opposite ACE Mega Center)
Community Officer:
Mr. Riegnald Arrindell
+1721-520-4315
>>> Neighborhood Location
Dutch Quarter Community Helpdesk
A.T. Illidge Road #278A,
Lower Princess Quarter (Former Dr. Bryson Property)
Community Officer:
Mr. Chadwick Richardson
1721-5207651
>>>Women's Desk
+1721-520-6291