Eden still taking in those in need despite Covid-19

The Manger Care Centre safe house Eden, situated in Brentwood Park, is privileged to have no positive Covid-19 cases despite taking in new people weekly.

Plot leader and fund-raiser Sarika Loubser said the organisation follows strict Covid-19 regulations at all times.

She explained all new intakes are required to go for a Covid-19 test at the clinic and are kept in isolation until their results are sent back to them.

“All beneficiaries receive a mask and toiletries when they arrive and are required to wear the mask at all times.”

She added that all ablution facilities are decontaminated and surfaces are sanitised regularly and once a week beneficiaries are required to move their furniture for cleaning.

Eden was established in 1986 to support abused women and children, orphans, recovering addicts, ex-parolees and the unemployed.

The idea was to give those who needed a safe place to stay, while the organisation tries to reintegrate them back into society by teaching them skills and allowing them to gain working experience through the various projects that the organisation enters into as a source of income, which includes the bakery, upholstery and the skills and development project.

James Dunn (60), a former parolee, completed his parole in May and has been working as a security guard at the organisation for over five years.

He explained that he was found guilty of drug possession and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

James was placed at Eden by his parole officer and even though he completed his parole, he has found a home at the organisation.

He expressed his gratitude to the organisation for taking him in when he did not have anything.

Eden homes 124 beneficiaries and can hold a total capacity of 152.

Sarika highlighted that the organisation spends about R3 536 on each new beneficiary and their monthly expenses reach R40 000 a month.

The organisation may be able to provide their beneficiaries with food, water and electricity, but Covid-19 has affected their income avenues as they are unable to host any fund-raisers.

Their old water boiler had recently broken, leaving all those on the property without hot water.

They are unable to replace it due to the lack of funds and are pleading with the public for donations to fix or replace the boiler.

Residents who are willing to contribute can contact the Manger Care Centre on 011 147 8200 for more information.

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