Mercy Haven highlights achievements at AGM

The intake of abused women and their children at Mercy Haven increased to 335 between April 2022 and March 2023, disclosed the centre manager, Maria Pereira, at their AGM on June 24.

It was the first year since it reopened in 2018 that Mercy Haven surpassed the Department of Social Development figure of 300 clients.

Pereira added they still conducted drug testing on everyone upon intake. Due to testing positive, many had to be turned away.

The chairperson of Mercy Haven, deacon Daryl Gabin, attended the AGM. Pereira read report. The report highlighted Mercy Haven will now include the services of traffic in persons (TIO) programme this year.

“We look forward to addressing this crisis facing South Africa,” Gabin said.

While operational expenses decreased (R1 528 510) compared to the previous year (R1 614 783), they are currently in dispute with the council over a water account of R196 333, 27 for one residence.

Pereira explained they discovered an underground water leak at the House of Clare when metro workers came to cut off the water at Mercy Haven.

“The leak apparently started on October 5, 2022, but they only informed us about the excessive water usage on April 19.

“We had to reroute the water supply from underground pipes to surface pipes, placed along the outer walls. As all our houses are over 100 years old, we did the same to the other two houses before we encounter further problems.

“We are disputing the House of Clare account because we believe the metro should have picked up the leak a long time ago.

“Our maintenance programme has been heavy this year. We spent R176 868 this past financial year compared to R74 430 in the previous period.

“We completed our chapel renovation, except for the finishing touches,” Pereira said explained.
A donor offered to repair the kitchen ceiling in the House of Clare.

“When the contractors removed the damaged ceiling boards, they discovered the wooden brandering was rotten in many places and had already broken away from the trusses. The repair turned out to be larger than anticipated. The contractors had to remove the roof covering the bathroom, chapel and kitchen.

“A donation of R27 800 made this construction work possible. We could also add a 200-litre geyser.”
Pereira also highlighted during the AGM that they needed a house mother, cook, driver, and social worker.

Gabin expressed gratitude to board members, management and staff for the dedication, service and many sacrifices made to ensure the continued growth of Mercy Haven.

“Our sincere gratitude to the Franciscan Order, Sisters of Mercy, the DSD, our auditor and all our donors and volunteers,” he said.

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