Help MES to help 43 homeless people during lockdown
'The clients' morale is currently high and they are cooperating at all times.
Although MES Kempton Park is still looking after the homeless in the city, it had to suspend several of its programmes due to the lockdown.
MES Kempton Park branch manager Helena van Blerk said the past few weeks had been challenging.
“As an organisation we have had to make some critical decisions for the safety of everyone and subsequently had to suspend some of our programmes.
“These include our soup kitchen, after-school programme, outreaches and the GROW (employment) programme. However, our shelter and social work services continue to operate, although under different circumstances.”
The shelter is currently home to 43 people.
“The service now includes providing, at no cost to the client, three meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) instead of only one. During this time clients cannot go out to find money to pay for their shelter accommodation and we need to accommodate them for free.”
Van Blerk said they had been in regular communication with local health clinics and would be working closely to ensure all procedures were followed and that their clients’ best interests were provided for.
“We were fortunate enough to provide flu injections to all clients and staff. We are in contact with our after-school parents and will provide support as and when needed,” said Van Blerk.
The public can support MES Kempton Park during lockdown by donating the following items: masks, gloves, cleaning and hygiene materials, toilet paper, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, soap, hand sanitisers (Savlon/Dettol, liquid bath soap and shampoo), Jik, towels, tea, coffee, long life milk, sugar, juice/concentrate, bread, breakfast cereal, Cup-a-Soup, Oats-so-easy, oranges, tinned food, mealie meal, rice and other non-perishable items, polystyrene cups, plates and cutlery, non-contact thermometers, pillow cases, blankets, clothing, DVD player.
“I want to thank the Kempton Park community. Without the support of various corporate companies and individuals it would not have been possible to effectively serve the inner city during this critical time,” said Van Blerk.
Any financial assistance will generate a Section 18A tax exemption certificate that can be issued for the full value of the donation.
For more information email kempton@mes.org.za, aloma@mes.org.za or helena@mes.org.za.
