Tent City pitches up to help the homeless
Alet said they have nothing to hide, and anyone was welcome to pay them a visit to see how things are run.
Statistics show that millions of Americans are just one pay cheque away from living on the street. South Africa in general – and the South Coast in particular – is no different.
Homelessness is becoming more and more common as the economy bites and jobs are lost.
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In fact, a study commissioned by Ethekweni Municipality in 2016 found that there were almost 4 000 people living on the street and in homeless shelters in central Durban alone.
Eugene Saunders (57) and his partner, Alet Swart (50) are trying to do their bit to help South Coasters who have fallen on hard times, as well as those who arrive on the coast seeking work and warmer weather.
The couple runs a shelter in School Road, Margate, called ‘Tent City’, currently home to 28 people from all walks of life.
It’s a safe place where the desperate can stay, take a hot shower and be given clean bedding and a plate of food.
“When we started out we didn’t realise it would get so big. My phone doesn’t stop ringing and we are forced to turn people away as we just don’t have the space,” said Eugene.
The couple works closely with the police, regional hospital and welfare departments, all of which refer people to the shelter.
“Not all homeless people are criminals and drug addicts. Some just don’t have anywhere else to go. These people are not animals and until you have walked in their shoes, you can’t judge,” said Alet.
She pointed out that many in their care had been abused and neglected and she often plays ‘mother’, taking them under her wing and offering a sympathetic ear.
Elderly couple, Ben Burger and Lynn Acherman, who have been living on the street for seven years, are among the residents.
Ben makes tiny leather shoes to attach to key rings, which he sells as a source of income.
Before moving to the coast, Ben was beaten up while living rough in Mpumalanga.
“It’s been a bumpy ride, but we are grateful to Eugene and Alet for giving us a safe place to stay, good food to eat and for trying to help us,” said Lynn.
Alet and Eugene themselves spent six years living on the street, and after piecing their lives back together, decided to ‘pay it forward’ and help others in a similar situation.
Alet has some 30 years of charity work under her belt and estimates that she has helped around 3 000 people over the years.
“It’s my life to help the poor. No one can take it out of me. I am passionate about helping others and I don’t know any life other than this.”
Although Alet said she is legally registered as a NPO, Tent City does not fall under this banner, as Eugene is in charge.
“We have not registered Tent City as a NPO, as we don’t want a huge influx of people which would strain our already limited resources,” she said.
“We try to help our residents find work, and once they are on their feet and begin to earn a salary, they are encouraged to move on and restart their lives. Tent City is just a stepping stone.”
Eugene said they have had many success stories, and at one stage had helped 22 men find employment.
“We don’t understand why some people seem to have a problem with us – all we do is take the homeless off the streets, feed them, help find them jobs and try to reconnect them with their families.
“We are the only shelter on the coast and if we close, where do the elderly, homeless or the sickly go? You can’t just throw them out onto the street.”
The couple pointed out that those who stayed at Tent City had to abide by strict rules – no drugs or alcohol on the property, and no begging.
“We give the people who live here all the basics so there is no need for them to beg or harass people. If they need anything, even cigarettes – they are told to come to us,” said Alet.
Each day, Alet and Eugene prepare nutritious cooked meals for the residents. They even feed a couple who live in their car, which they park outside the property at night.
“If we have no meat for dinner, I buy the meat to feed these people from my own pocket. We do this from our hearts. We love these people, and they are like family to us,” said Eugene.
Alet said they have nothing to hide, and anyone was welcome to pay them a visit to see how things are run.
“You don’t have to make an appointment, you are welcome anytime. And if you don’t want to give donations to us, please do come and give them directly to those who need them,” she said.
She pointed out that they would love a little plot where they could be self-sufficient and continue their work.
However, some Margate residents who live near Tent City, in the vicinity of Margate Primary, are not happy with their ‘neighbours’, and are desperate for their street to return to its former pristine condition.
They have reported Tent City residents for the illegal dumping they say they have witnessed, and contacted the owner of the vacant stand adjacent to the shelter prior to deciding to clear it themselves last week.
Eugene and Alet however say that the vacant stand next to them was previously overgrown, and only after it was cleared, was rubbish left behind by vagrants exposed.
Ward 2 councillor Dave Watson said authorities were fully aware of the number of homeless people on the coast, and that a group was currently sourcing a property where a viable and sustainable ‘stopover’ shelter could be opened.
He added that once he had more concrete information, the public would be notified.
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