The Crisis Centre is facing another crisis. This time it is a funding crisis. Manageress, Carol Bradley, says there is now just one staff member at the Birkett Street centre.
“We have had to let three staff members go including Fran Hattingh who was my assistant,” said Carol who does not take home a salary herself.
The Centre receives about R4 000 a month from the Department of Social Services – dependent on the number of residents in the home at the time.
With rising costs – electricity, water and food – and funds drying up, Carol fears the worst.
The Centre recently survived an attempt to shut down the thrice-weekly feeding scheme following complaints from nearby residents. The feeding of about 600 people is now done under a nearby tree in open veld every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The needy bring in plastic waste which they exchange for a food ticket – usually maas, yoghurt or juice donated by Orange Grove. In return, the Crisis Centre sells off the plastic waste for recycling to generate much-needed funds.
The Centre also sends out food to the Dannhauser and other rural areas. If it does have to close, the shock waves will be felt in and around the area and not only in Dundee.