Uplifting those in need
Members of the public and local businesses are requested to provide any support they can in assisting the organisation to make Christmas special for these families and their children.
Soul Outreach Community Upliftment started in 2019 as a small feeding scheme and food parcel distributor for the less fortunate and homeless community in Brakpan.
During the early months of its inception, founders and directors Beverley Croote and Martina Stickling recognised a desperate need for an overnight shelter that caters for the destitute who remained in pursuit of creating better lives for themselves, despite their seemingly hopeless situations.
Making huge strides in its efforts to help the less fortunate, the organisation opened the doors to its overnight shelter and upliftment centre for men in March 2020, shortly before lockdown restrictions were initially imposed.
Situated at 157 Hamilton Avenue in Dalview, the shelter has a strict no drug and alcohol policy.
Men wishing to stay at the shelter are required to undergo a drug test with admittance.
“We are committed to providing a clean, safe and uplifting environment for our residents as well as the community within which we live,” said Croote.
Women and children have not been forgotten and Soul Outreach currently has a small section that accommodates five women and their children. Soul Outreach is currently searching for premises to establish a women’s shelter.
“The lockdown made it difficult to sustain the shelter but we received a great deal of support for which we are truly grateful,” said Stickling.
A handful of homeless men and women who have stayed at the shelter have gone on to lead fulfilling lives with much securing full-time employment and their accommodation.
The purpose of Soul Outreach is not only to enable people but to also uplift them. The shelter provides two cooked meals, a hot bath or shower, a warm bed and a healthy Sunday lunch each week.
Each Thursday is spiritual upliftment with Ann Herselman from Word and Life Boksburg, with cell group meetings on Wednesday nights and Sunday services at church.
According to Croote and Stickling, the members of Word and Life have been an inspiration and help lost souls seeking to find hope again.
The Soul Outreach feeding scheme provides lunch for 80 to 100 people each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and accommodates 20 residents at its overnight shelter.
The organisation will host two Christmas events. The first event, scheduled for December 15, is intended for children living on the streets and children from impoverished families.
The second event is scheduled for December 19. Members of the public and local businesses are requested to provide any support they can in assisting the organisation to make Christmas special for these families and their children.
Donations of food or other items will be gratefully received and sponsors are welcome to visit the premises to see where and how funding and donations are used.
For more information, contact Croote on 081 700 9385 or Stickling on 081 745 7182.
