Phuentsholing’s Happiness Centre is struggling to keep up with the growing demand for its services. Since its establishment in 2019, the Centre has been providing after-care services to thousands of recovering addicts, the destitute and the elderly. Today, however, it finds itself at a crossroads, battling overcrowding and financial constraints.
The Happiness Centre is more than just a home for the destitute and elderly. It also serves as a refuge for those battling addiction, offering detox, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
While the centre serves as a blessing, offering shelter to those in need, its kindness masks the harsh reality of dwindling resources.
Smiles echo through the air, creating a façade of comfort and warmth. But the staff works tirelessly to keep the centre afloat.
“Due to lack of space, we cannot provide the services we wish to. We are getting more clients each day. Right now, we have thirty people living here when our capacity is only fifteen. And we can’t turn them away because they need us,” said Bhup Dhoj Ghaley, Founder and Project Director of Happiness Centre.
Ugyen Dorji, the Co-Founder of the Centre said, “Phuentsholing is a commercial hub and a border town, so substance abuse issues are more widespread. While we provide these services, we struggle with food supplies and accommodation, both of which are growing challenges.”
The team dreams of expanding its facilities. They have even leased land to build additional infrastructure, but their plans remain on hold with no funding.
Despite these challenges, the staff continue to give their all.
As they share warm smiles and laughter with the clients, their hearts are burdened by the unspoken worries of where tomorrow’s ration will come from, and how to make space for the next person in need.
It’s not the promise of a monthly salary that drives the staff, but the deep sense of fulfilment they feel at the end of each day—a reward far greater than any paycheck.
Kinley Dem, Phuentsholing
Edited by Sangay Chezom
