Rebirth House aids recovery with digital access

REBIRTH HOUSE, a residential rehabilitation centre for individuals recovering from substance use disorder, now has a fully equipped computer lab to support the personal and professional development of its residents.

Rebirth House was among ten non-profit organisations selected in December 2024 to receive support under the EPIC (Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities) Grant programme, led by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago. The funding enabled the centre to purchase 24 computers, an overhead projector, a printer, and furniture to establish the lab, along with one year of free Digicel Plus internet service.

CEO of Rebirth House Neela Birjah said the facility will provide critical opportunities for residents to rebuild their lives through online access to recruitment, research, career development, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). With a capacity for 25 individuals, Rebirth House offers a self-admission model for people seeking support and long-term recovery.

On April 15, Digicel Foundation’s head of Operations Cindyann Currency and Shell TT’s Social Performance and Social Investment advisor Ryssa Brathwaite attended an official project walk through at the rehab centre, located in Chaguaramas at the Defence Force army reserve.

Currency praised the Rebirth House initiative, saying: “Using technology to assist with social issues like substance use disorder is the kind of social investment we’re keen to see.

“Making technology more accessible and beneficial to vulnerable communities is exactly what makes this EPIC.”

Brathwaite said, “Recovery takes courage, support and opportunity, and at Shell Trinidad and Tobago, we are honoured to walk alongside Rebirth House and the Digicel Foundation on that journey. This technology lab is more than a room filled with equipment; it’s a symbol of possibility. We’re proud to support a space where healing begins, hope grows, and every step forward is worth celebrating.”

The 2024-2025 EPIC programme awarded grants to ten community organisations across TT, with a total investment of TT$1.4 million, set to benefit approximately 58,000 people.