Pastor helps the homeless at Park Rynie beach campsite
Two tents have been set up, giving the vagrants a warm place to stay.
When the nationwide lockdown was first announced in March, many people wondered what would happen to the homeless.
Local evangelist, Pastor Neill Fick, with the help of the community and Umdoni Municipality, set up a shelter at the Park Rynie beach campsite.
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Over the past several weeks, a number of vagrants have been collected from around the mid-south coast area and brought to the campsite where two tents have been set up, giving them a warm place to stay.
“The municipality is on board with the project and provides utilities so there’s light inside the tents and running water in the beach bathrooms and toilets,” said Neill.
On Monday morning this week, Neill and his team were busy trying to get hot water to the showers as the people staying in the tents had thus far been using only cold water to wash.
“It’s getting colder by the day so we are trying our best to keep them warm and cared for,” added Neill. “I’m still blown away by all the support we’ve received from the community who have donated food and blankets.”
Neill said that the homeless being accommodated at the beach are all sober and have been clean for a while. They are also receiving counselling as and when needed and are between the ages of 40 and 65 years.
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He added that he had tried to help some of the ‘whoonga boys’ in Scott Street, but they had refused to kick their habits.
“I strongly advise people not to give food or money to them because it creates chaos in town and they do not change their ways because of the support people give them,” said Neill.
“We are providing proper meals for them and offering shelter, but some of them refuse to change and accept this.”
Neil thanks the local pastors and churches for all their help and support with this project, as well as the community, Umdoni Municipality staff and councillors, a number of various non-profit organisations and the people from out of town who have all assisted in various ways.
Not only does Neill assist the vagrants at the beach, he is also helping families throughout the area during this difficult time.
Should you wish to donate food, blankets or clothing, contact Neill at 063-7894926.
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