Inner-city ministry brings hope to the homeless
It was most probably her only meal for the day but she split the vetkoek in half and offered it to her friend, who eagerly accepted.
On Thursday evening, in the heart of Kempton Park central business district, a little girl received a warm meal from Inner-City Ministry Kempton Park on the corner of Kempton and Monument roads.
It was most probably her only meal for the day but she split the vetkoek in half and offered it to her friend, who eagerly accepted.
The girl can be no older than seven and is one of at least 40 children and 60 adults who visit the NPO weekly for a gathering, where those less fortunate receive food, attend small groups and participate in praise and worship. They also have the opportunity to speak about their lives.
Inner-City Ministry was founded six years ago by Suzette van Reenen, who said God placed it on their hearts to create a platform where people living on the streets of the city could get help.
The dream has since expanded to a branch in Benoni and one in Springs, which will open its doors soon.
“Our main vision is to create a platform where different churches, family groups and friends can get together to give back to the community,” Van Reenen told Express.
According to vice-chairperson Natasha Zaayman, another important focus of Inner-City Ministry is their different task teams and projects, of which the current ID drive is one.
“We need help in offering people a database of shelters, rehabilitation centres, skills development, medical attention, counselling and career opportunities,” she said.
“By equipping someone with an ID and the necessary skills to get a job, we can assist them in reintegrating with society. This will also help them to know they are going in the right direction.”
For this NPO’s visions to be realised, they need the help of community members, charities, churches and corporations.
“By taking hands, we can help these people to get the help they need and get to the root of the problem,” Zaayman added.
Community members, charities, churches and corporations are invited to get involved on a local government level by taking hands with the Ekurhuleni HELP forums (contact person: Francus Palm on 071 582 0770).
Readers who would like to get involved can also contact the following branch leaders:
Kempton Park: Sandy Nieuwenhuizen on 082 533 3474
Benoni: Natasha Zaayman on 083 655 1201
Springs: Winifred du Preez on 082 536 0588
Overall: Suzette van Reenen on 082 291 1717
Website: www.innercityministry.co.za
