Homes for the homeless

The Department of Health administered the Covid-19 vaccines to willing beneficiaries, while Sassa assisted with grants.

November 12, 2021

Terry-Ann Diergaardt 1 minute read

Sarika Loubser at the stairs of the revamped containers.

Twenty-four homeless people will be given a second chance in life thanks to the partnership between the Manger Care Centre and the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD), who have transformed cargo containers.

DSD donated funds to Manger, which the Eden Village beneficiaries used to transform four cargo containers into a home for the homeless.

The project was launched in July and beneficiaries rolled up their sleeves to create a two-story energy-saving home that is powered with solar lights and gas geysers.

Naidene Anderson, manager at the Manger, said their collaboration with DSD has been a huge step for the organisation since their registration, as they had never received support from the government and are excited about the future.

To celebrate World Homeless Day, which was commemorated on October 12, DSD, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Sassa, hosted a lunch for all the Eden Village beneficiaries on October 29 at the centre.

The event highlighted the rights of homeless people to access services and promote the collaboration of different stakeholders in delivering effective and efficient services.

The Department of Health administered the Covid-19 vaccines to willing beneficiaries, while Sassa assisted with grants.

After lunch was served, beneficiaries and officials from DSD went to view the new homes.