Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) is a locally registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) that has served communities both domestically and internationally for over two decades. ITNAC’s experience as an NGO ranges from post-disaster relief management in countries such as Grenada, Haiti, and across West Africa, to the execution of back-to-school programmes, hamper distributions, and transitional housing support for the socially displaced and survivors of domestic violence.
In 2022, ITNAC sought to advance its mandate of making a difference one life at a time through the purchase of a property in East Port of Spain. Once operationalised, this property is envisioned to serve as an outreach centre, providing a safe and accessible space for at-risk youth and individuals on the brink of social displacement to access support and social services, with the aim of preventing further deterioration of their circumstances.
Disaster Relief & Response
As noted above, ITNAC’s post-disaster relief portfolio has been extensive, spanning the Caribbean and beyond. This includes responses to the eruption of La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent, Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and partnerships with local actors to provide relief in Louisiana, USA following Hurricane Katrina.
In keeping with its mandate to respond within 72 hours of a disaster, ITNAC formed strategic alliances with other grassroots NGOs in 2021 to launch Response Caribbean. This initiative represents a regional, home-grown partnership model, establishing satellite teams across the Caribbean to improve coordination, amplify local voices, and strengthen disaster response mechanisms.
Since its inception, Response Caribbean has hosted annual summits to stimulate dialogue and raise awareness on key regional issues such as climate resilience, migration, and human trafficking. Through this network, organizations have been able to share resources, knowledge, and funding to support both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts across multiple Caribbean territories.
Community Development & Housing
ITNAC’s community outreach and housing initiatives are equally expansive. These include programmes targeting migrant populations, such as the Migrant Learning Programme, which supports children who are unable to access formal education within Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, ITNAC operates three transitional homes that provide temporary housing for men, women, and families who have lost their income and become homeless.
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, these transitional housing programmes served as a critical refuge for families facing sudden economic hardship and instability. Additionallythrough partnerships, ITNAC was able to outfit one of its’ transition home with a computer room to allow its clients access to computer services during their stay.
Further, ITNAC has partnered with Women Rediscover Your Strength (WRYS) to support survivors of domestic violence. Through this collaboration, and in coordination with the Ministry of Social Development and other stakeholders, survivors are assisted with safe extraction, psychosocial support, and opportunities to rebuild their independence through skills development and empowerment initiatives.
As ITNAC continues to assist at-risk groups such as survivors of domestic violence it is also actively seeking support to operationalise a dedicated transition home for survivors and looks forward to partnerships that can help make this a reality.
Youth Empowerment & Education
ITNAC has positioned itself as a safe haven for youth through both direct engagement and targeted support initiatives. This includes the Smile Initiative, which creates meaningful experiences for children—such as celebrating birthdays for underserved youth—and providing psychosocial and financial support where needed.
The organisation has also supported at-risk youth through back-to-school programmes in communities such as Palo Seco, outreach initiatives in Mango Rose and Morvant, and small-scale entrepreneurial support. This includes providing tools or startup resources, such as equipment or inventory, to help young people establish small businesses.
Additionally, one of ITNAC’s youth leaders, Imara Joseph, founded Youths of Purpose (YOP)in 2025—a youth-led movement aimed at creating safe spaces for young people. Its initiatives include vacation camps, life skills training, business development, and psychosocial support through partnerships with trained psychologists.
Food Security & Livelihoods
Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) has consistently prioritised food security as a critical pillar of its humanitarian response, particularly within underserved and vulnerable communities. ITNAC with the help of our partners has provided essential food supplies to families facing economic hardship, including single-parent households, migrant families, and individuals displaced by crises. These interventions extend beyond emergency relief and are strategically implemented to stabilise households during periods of uncertainty, such as post-disaster recovery or sudden loss of income.
Additionally, ITNAC recognises the link between food security and economic stability, and therefore continues to explore opportunities to strengthen livelihoods through empowerment and support initiatives that promote long-term self-sufficiency.
Health, Counselling & Social Support
Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC) adopts a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, recognising that vulnerable populations often face overlapping physical, emotional, and social challenges. Through its transitional homes and community outreach initiatives, the organisation provides safe and supportive environments for individuals and families, particularly survivors of domestic violence, migrants, and those experiencing displacement due to economic instability.
In addition to meeting basic needs, ITNAC has, over the years, mobilised resources through targeted fundraising efforts to assist individuals requiring urgent medical care. These efforts have helped bridge critical gaps in access to treatment for persons who might otherwise go unsupported.
Complementing its physical support, ITNAC places strong emphasis on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. The organisation has partnered with psychologists and other professionals to promote mental health awareness and provide counselling support aimed at improving outcomes for its clients. These interventions are especially critical for individuals navigating trauma, displacement, or prolonged financial stress. Through a combination of direct support, referrals, and community-based initiatives—including its migrant-focused learning centre—ITNAC fosters resilience, social inclusion, and emotional stability, ensuring that beneficiaries are supported not only in times of crisis but also in their journey toward long-term wellbeing and reintegration.