The East Rand Children’s Haven (ERCH) faces closure due to unpaid subsidies from the Department of Social Development (DSD).

The safe haven of 20 children and the livelihoods of 10 staff members are under threat. According to Maxine Smook, social worker for ERCH, NPOs face the same struggles every year at this time.

“It’s all the children’s homes, old age homes, everyone dependent on their state subsidy. It’s as if they (DSD) just don’t care,” she said.

The financial year for NPOs is April 1 to March 31, and typically, they receive a contract for the year’s subsidies in January, with the subsidy itself being paid quarterly starting on April 1.

This year, they haven’t received the contract, nor any communication about why the process is delayed.

“Even if we do our own fundraising, we need the subsidy for big expenses. We sit and wait, I send emails, we are just ignored,” said Maxine.

“When the contract finally comes, everyone has to scramble to get everything in order, and then we still have to wait for the money too.”

Challenges faced
The home needs to be paid before the end of May, or they will be unable to pay the workers’ salaries, which means staff won’t be able to commute to the home.

Other expenses also keep stacking up, with electricity costing the home R4 000 a week. The roof of the charity shop, one of the home’s main income avenues, is leaking in several places. The home is also facing a termite problem, with treatment quoted at a minimum of R16 000.

The broader issue
“Social workers from other children’s homes are also in the same boat. Welfare organisations feeding the underprivileged have to completely close their doors until they get their subsidy,” explained Maxine.

“Every year we go through this stress, it’s actually traumatic. You lie awake at night, you get anxiety attacks, everyone is negative, and the money always comes through in the end, but why do they always need to take you to the extreme, where you almost can’t go on anymore, before they pay?

“On top of that, when will the day come that they just don’t pay at all?”

ALSO READ: Relay For Life event calls community to unite against cancer

BackaBuddy campaign
In order to cover daily expenses in the meantime, the home has started a BackaBuddy campaign at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-us-keep-our-doors-open-for-20-children

“Every morning, 20 children wake up in our care. Children who have already faced more hardship than most of us will ever know. We are their safety, their stability, and their second chance,” reads the BackaBuddy campaign page.

“But right now, we are facing something we have never faced before. Despite submitting everything required, we have not received our government funding, nor even a signed contract,” the page continues.

“Weeks have passed with no communication. No support, no certainty, and while the silence continues, the reality is getting louder.

“Our bank account is running low, our roof is leaking, our bills are piling up, and we are now at the point where we cannot guarantee that we can stay open beyond the next two weeks.

“If we are forced to close, 20 children will lose their home, 10 staff members will lose their jobs, and a place of safety will disappear. We have stretched every cent.

ALSO READ: Hospice Week highlights the power of presence in life’s hardest moments

“Funds that were meant to repair our leaking roof have been used instead to feed the children and keep the lights on, because no matter what, the children come first. Always.

“Donations will put food on the table every day, pay essential staff who care for the children, keep electricity and water running, and maintain a safe and stable environment.

“The haven can not rely on school parents, doesn’t have big corporate sponsors, and relies on small companies with big hearts, generous individuals, and the kindness of a community.

“Right now, we are asking you to stand with us. Donate whatever you can, share this campaign with your friends, family and groups. Help us reach people who may be able to support.”

Media enquiry
An enquiry into the reason for the delay in providing signed contracts, as well as the payment of the subsidy, was made with the DSD Gauteng spokesperson, Motsamai Motlhaolwa, on May 5.

Further enquiry was also made into the reason for the delay for several other organisations that face the same issues. By the time of going to press, no comment has been received.

Other means of support
If you can’t support the home through a cash donation, consider visiting the Shopping Village, Mondays to Thursdays between 08:00 and 15:00, on Fridays between 08:00 and 14:00, or every first and last Saturday of the month between 08:00 and 13:00.

Additionally, the home is hosting a family market with food, drink, games for children and unique items on May 30 from 08:30. Both the market and the Shopping Village can be found at 5 Muriel Brand Street in Brenthurst.