Donor fatigue puts Akasia shelter in desperate need
The lights are kept on for the safety of the beneficiaries. Load-shedding results in R40 000 spent on fuel alone.
Leaking pots, high fuel costs and empty food cupboards are currently the challenges faced by the Life Changing Projects homeless shelter in Akasia.
The ongoing load-shedding has hit the shelter’s pocket as it spends more than R40 000 a month on fuel to keep the lights on, which is stipulated by law.
Shelter manager Tebogo Mpufane said due to the large number of people living on the property, the facility has to be lit at all times.
“Stage 6 has hit us hard as we are battling to keep up with the costs due to fuel consumption as our lights have to be kept on for the safety of our beneficiaries. This has resulted in us being unable to sustain our beneficiaries,” Mpufane said.
“We are running out of food and toiletries. How do we bring back the dignity of our men if we are unable to provide them with the basics?
Despite the challenges, a collaboration with the Department of Social Development has brought some hope to the shelter. It recently built a new 300-seater canteen and a mobile home.
The newly built canteen has given beneficiaries a comfortable place to enjoy their meals, but the shelter needs help to ensure that its cupboards are full to continue feeding the men.
“We strive to give them dignity, but we are experiencing extreme donor fatigue with a high need and lack of funding.
“What we need urgently is new cooking pots, as the ones we make pap in are all leaking, food and toiletries.
“As an oasis for the vulnerable, these items are needed to restore the worth of these men who have been on the streets for years.”
Mpufane said the shelter will continue to care for its beneficiaries.
To donate to the shelter, contact Tebogo Sehlwane on 082 364 4215.
No environmental health practitioner visits at our shops, owners claim
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
