How you can help the homeless during lockdown

MES Kempton Park was asked by provincial government to assist with food, clothes and essential needs donations.

The MEC for social development in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, oversaw the process of relocation of the province’s homeless people to shelters.

Those relocated will be staying at these locations temporarily for the duration of the 21-day lockdown and NPOs like MES have offered a helping hand.

Helena van Blerk, branch manager of MES Kempton Park, appeals to the community for urgent donations of clothing, especially warm men’s clothing and shoes.

“MES is a proud partner in the overall plight to flatten the Covid-19 curve and to change the hearts of South African cities. We will partner with government as far as our capacity allows to address the plight of the vulnerable and homeless people in our inner cities during the pandemic and also thereafter,” Van Blerk said.

Items can be delivered on weekdays at their office at 6 Kempton Road during office hours.

The homeless from from Kempton Park, Edenvale and Thembisa are housed as Coen Scholtz Community Centre and Olifantsfontein Hall.

According to the department the homeless will also receive food. Priority will be given to those on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, children on nutritional programmes and other categories such as the home-based sick and weak.

Those who depend on soup kitchens will be considered at a later stage.

The department will continue with the distribution of dignity packs to indigent learners during lockdown. The dignity packs include toiletries such as sanitary towels, toothpaste, roll-on, soap and a washing rag. During the lockdown hand sanitisers, gloves and masks will be made available.

Those who know about homeless people in Gauteng, can contact the government hotline on 0800 428 8364 from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Fridays or send an email to support@gauteng.gov.za.