WATCH: Street Shower brings hope to Benoni’s homeless

While homelessness has become a reality in South Africa, a local NPO, Reaching Out to People of Ekurhuleni (ROPE), has taken practical steps to restore dignity and provide relief to those living on the streets through its Street Shower event held on April 12.

ENDEO Family Church in Northmead was a hive of activity as dozens of homeless men and women received warm showers, new clothing, haircuts, and beard shaves and were pampered with hand and foot treatments while engaging with volunteers who served with a smile.

Some of the volunteers, many of whom are not only church members, travelled from as far as Potchefstroom, Pietermaritzburg, Mpumalanga and other areas to lend a helping hand.

Before entering the venue, beneficiaries queued in a long, snaking line outside the church to take advantage of the charitable initiative.

Upon registration, each person was assigned an usher who guided them through the various service stations.

According to Suzette Hartkopf, director of ROPE, which operates under the umbrella of ENDEO Family Church, the aim of the initiative was to offer basic hygiene services and show love and support to the homeless.

“We wanted to show the less fortunate the love of God and that they are loved. Some people no longer see that they are loved because, for them, it’s all about survival. We wanted to show them they are still people, valuable and worthy.”

Hartkopf explained that before the event, their team went out into the streets and handed out invitations to their “VIPs”.

“On the morning of the event, transportation was arranged to collect and drop off the guests.

“Some of the people even slept here the night before. When the gates opened, they were welcomed with coffee, tea, and pancakes before heading to the hair and nails station. There, they received fresh haircuts, had their beards shaved, hands washed, nails clipped and for the ladies, nail polish was applied,” she said.

Beneficiaries proceeded to a caravan where they provided their clothing and shoe sizes before heading to the shower station.

“Each person received a shower pack that included sanitary wear, a toothbrush, face cloth, soap, toothpaste, lotion, and a blanket.

At the foot care station, volunteers washed their feet, clipped their toenails, and provided new socks and shoes.

A CV station was also available, where volunteers helped create, print, and laminate CVs to empower guests with tools to seek employment.

“They also visited the ministry station, where someone spent time talking and praying with them, reminding them that Jesus loves them. They received the belt of truth and a Bible,” said Hartkopf.

The final stop was the banquet area, where guests dined at decorated tables and enjoyed a warm meal, drinks, and other treats in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

One of the beneficiaries who was emotional and touched by the initiative, Christal van der Berg, who has been homeless for three years, said: “I feel blessed to be here today. I feel like I’m on cloud nine. This event has given me hope because sometimes it becomes a lot.”

Hartkopf expressed gratitude to the volunteers who served on the day and to everyone who donated towards the cause.

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