Recycling uplifts the homeless at MES Kempton Park

Through its recycling project launched in 2016, MES (Mould Empower Serve) Kempton Park has not only created a sustainable income for the organisation but also uplifts the homeless.

Kemptonians can assist in this programme by dumping their recyclable goods at various outlets in the city.

“MES Kempton Park’s recycling project forms part of our job and life rehabilitation programme, God Restores Our World (Grow),” said Duane Edwards, branch manager.

“This project enables the homeless and vulnerable community of Kempton Park to restore their dignity, while at the same time allowing them the opportunity to earn a living. Daily workshops and enrichment programmes are hosted, together with the provision of cash in hand job opportunities, where participants are exposed to the ideal working environment.

“In the end, the programme changes unemployable and desperate individuals into employable individuals who can be placed into suitable jobs, so they can reintegrate back into society,” said Edwards.

According to him, the recycling project, in addition to the various environmental benefits associated with recycling, also enables them to create sustainable income for the branch and its programmes.

The team regularly collects materials from the NG Church Kempton-Kruin and Kaleideo Church on Fiskaal Street, as well as Gateway Presbyterian Church on Dann Road. All three of these sites are open to the public.

The branch, over time, has also established partnerships with certain businesses, schools and security complexes. These include Laerskool Kruinsig, a security complex in Van Riebeeck Park (in co-operation with Afriforum), Kempton Park Golf Club, Blue Gill Security Estate in Glen Marais, Tudor Village One and Two in Norkem Park, Pasquale Academy in Woodbridge Square and Dresden Bakery in Bonaero Park.

Unfortunately not everyone has access to these sites but those who do are welcome to take material there as well.

“We encourage members of the public and business sector to get in contact with us for any specific collection needs they might have. If it is profitable, we will consider it,” said Hansen.

MES Kempton Park welcomes any type of recyclable material and formal sorting is done by the Grow teams in Pomona. In future the organisation hopes to establish buy-back centres where medical assistance and social worker support can also be provided to people living on the street who make use of MES’ buy-back services.

Anybody interested in supporting this worthy initiative is asked to get in touch with Edwards at MES Kempton Park on kempton@mes.org.za or 011 024 4580.

Support is mainly required with recycle and refuse bags.

MES in Kempton Park is a non-profit organisation which focuses on various initiatives to change the heart of the inner city.

This is done by empowering the homeless and vulnerable community holistically – addressing their spiritual, physical, emotional and developmental needs.

This includes providing an overnight shelter, meals at the community kitchen (R5 Monday to Friday), an after-school programme and the Grow job and life rehabilitation programme.