MES is still feeding the hungry
'Having our residents full time on our premises has brought many challenges, some of which we find ourselves still trying to resolve'
Despite the lockdown, MES Kempton Park continued with its food parcel initiative to bring about food relief to families in need.
Helena van Blerk, branch chairperson, said: “Through the unflinching support of our partners and donors, MES Kempton Park served more than 8 000 meals to over 32 homeless beneficiaries at its shelter.”
From the end of March to June 16, 8 500 meals were served to 32 shelter clients. Food parcels went to families who do not stay at the shelter, as well as existing clients.
Seven hundred and fifty food parcels were distributed from March until the end of May.
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Van Blerk wrote in her newsletter: “Since our last newsletter, the world around us has changed drastically due to the impact of Covid-19. I remember during a meeting in February to plan the launch of our annual Winter HOPE campaign Covid-19 was mentioned, but it seemed so unreal and before we knew it, the virus had arrived and changed our everyday lives.
“Every day we follow our new routine of wearing masks, sanitising our environment, washing our hands and social distancing ourselves.
“With schools being closed and many not being able to work, we also had to adapt our programmes. The shelter became a full-time residence as people had no income and could not pay the shelter fees. To implement social distancing, we had to reduce the number of residents from 49 to 35.
“Having our residents full time on our premises has brought many challenges, some of which we find ourselves still trying to resolve. The biggest challenge has been the pressure placed on our finances. The dynamic of hosting 35 people on a full-time basis has meant that we serve three meals daily and we use more water and electricity.
“During this period I am so aware of God’s presence and His provision. He is our Provider and I stand in awe of His faithfulness. Over the lockdown period we were able to bring food relief to many households by distributing 693 food parcels, much more than our normal 60 parcels a month and continue to try to give support where we can.
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“By God’s grace we are all healthy and safe, but we humbly ask for your prayers to have wisdom and courage for the road ahead. Thank you for your continuous support,” van Blerk wrote.
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