WATCH: Government, NPO tackles homelessness with launch of shelter
At the shelter, displaced people are offered skills, such as construction, IT, completion of matric and art.
The non-permanent accommodation shelter that currently caters to 60 male beneficiaries between the ages of 19 and 59 was launched by the Gauteng Department of Social Development led by MEC Morakane Mosupyoe at Wembley Stadium on October 26.
She was accompanied by Health and Social Development MMC Eunice Mgcina and was welcomed in Ward 124 by councillor Mongameli Mnyameni.
The launch promoted the collaboration of multi-stakeholders in delivering effective and efficient services to homeless families in need of government interventions.
The shelter is run by the NPO Ikusasa Lethu and is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Different beneficiaries led by Olley Accom (one of the beneficiaries) reflected on their journey and thanked all involved in the process of getting their lives back.
Mosupyoe said the Covid-19 pandemic had devastating effects on the economy. “During the lockdowns, we witnessed numerous social ills at an all-time high and unemployment was one of them.
“However, unemployment has never been at an acceptable rate both during and after apartheid, especially among youth, women and the black population in general. Unemployment is one of the phenomena that have led to the unsustainability of families and households and consequently led to homelessness.
“Other factors that are the driving forces of homelessness include social exclusion and cultural rights. This is a condition where society is not mutually and equally accommodating to all people that belong to it, irrespective of their social categorisation.
“For instance, the LGBTQI+ youth are said to be at greater risk of homelessness. Recently in an article, I read that for some members of the LGBTQI+ community, ‘coming out of the closet’ equals a fast track to homelessness.
“Whether they’re kicked out of the house by parents or partners, or shunned by their communities, such individuals often end up with nowhere to go and no one to turn to.
“There are numerous social ills that fuel homelessness that cannot all be highlighted in one day. However, as the Gauteng government, we have considered both the contributing factors and outcomes.
“We will be able to support the homeless through a range of interventions, such as treatment for substance abuse, provision of health and mental health services, skills development to facilitate job creation, shelter and housing, and reintegration,” she said.
“As we launch the shelter, we are thankful to all stakeholders who have played a part in ensuring this is possible. Ending homelessness can only be attained through a multi-stakeholder approach.
“This requires that communities, civil society organisations, government agencies and private sector work together to implement systematic responses that will help prevent recurring homelessness.”
