ERMELO – A safe haven for the homeless, a place of safety for victims of abuse, and a soup kitchen are just some of the needs that will be addressed with a new community centre that is in the pipeline.

A stakeholder meeting led by the CMR Ermelo took place at the Msukaligwa Local Municipality on August 16 to discuss the project.

The stakeholders included the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Sassa, Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the Department of Labour, the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Ermelo police, several security companies, the business sector, Agri Mpumalanga and volunteers.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the work that lies ahead to establish the centre.

The Ermelo-Oos congregation offered a venue to be renovated into the centre.

It is situated in Oosthuise Street, and will consist of a laundry room, kitchen, bathrooms, dining area for group activities, offices, a counselling room and a bedroom.

It will be known as the Lighthouse for Ermelo Community Centre.

Ms Sonja van Niekerk, a social work supervisor of CMR, said the centre will serve as a light in a time of darkness, a short-term place of safety for victims of abuse, family violence or crises.

“Lighthouses represent guidance, refuge and salvation to those in the middle of a storm.”

The project is still in need of reception area furniture, office furniture, a kettle or urn, cutlery and crockery, pots and pans, a gas stove, a microwave, a refrigerator, a deep freezer, a table, some chairs, a basin, some kitchen cupboards and some work surfaces, for daily operations.

Consumables needed include food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, washing powder, clothing and shoes, blankets and personal protective equipment.

Anyone who would like to help or contribute towards the project may contact Ms Jeana Motsamai or Mr Wynand Rudolph of CMR on 017 819 1163.