Warm blankets for the homeless

Homeless people around Mamelodi will no longer stress about the winter chill this year.

This came after the Winter Drive initiative by Thandanani Drop Inn centre handed out as many blankets and clothes as possible for the needy.

Thabo Kgotsi, of Thandanani Drop Inn centre, said the hostel and Mamelodi residents were relieved to receive warm blanks.

The generous donations of about 120 warm blankets and clothes was made by Funanani Organisation.

The handover was on June 2 and July 4 at the Mamelodi hostel blocks, Mamelodi East section Mabeshane and extension 5.

“From March we asked on social media platforms for people to donate used or even new blankets after we have identified and witnessed the needs of our beneficiaries, who desperately needed help during the winter season,” said Kgotsi.

The centre has been helping out in the community before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We will continue serving the Mamelodi community during this difficult time,” he said

“The donations came at the right time, with the weather getting colder there are hundreds of homeless people seeking shelter and warmth.

“We are helping wherever help is needed, also with donations of food parcels, warm blankets and clothes,” he said.

“Homelessness is unfortunately really a problem here in Mamelodi as many homeless people moved here from the Pretoria CBD.

“Living in townships is not expensive compared to the CBD. Thandanani runs a homeless programme that seeks to assist those sleeping in the streets in every possible way.”

The centre prioritised the most vulnerable during the hand-out .

“Luckily we had so many blankets that we could help those who have homes but struggle with substance abuse.”

Kgotsi pleaded with the Tshwane metro to grant Thandanani permission to use the land to erect temporary park homes to house the homeless people around Mamelodi.

Thandanani centre has more than 30 volunteers from all over Mamelodi and surrounding areas, who are working every day as essential workers.

Other community projects are aimed at a drug-free community and helping local learners with homework after school.

He also asked local businessmen in the community to “start giving back to the community and come on board to help needy people in Mamelodi”.

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