Tent City pitches in to help

The economic ripple effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have left some bread winners losing their jobs and finding themselves on the street.

According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate is currently 32,6 percent.

This rate is 46,3 percent among people aged 15 to 34 years for the first quarter of 2021.

Eugene Saunders (60) runs non-profit organisation Tent City for the homeless near Marina Beach.

He said the influx of those needing a safe haven was growing daily.

“Tent City has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. We have seen a drastic increase in homeless people since the outbreak of Covid-19. I like to see it as a place that offers a helping hand to those who have fallen on hard times, ” he said.

In 2016, Saunders and his partner Alet Swart started Tent City in School Road in Margate. Back then, they had between 25 and 40 people.

About two years later, Saunders secured a large piece of land near Marina Beach and has used it to relocate Tent City.

“Tent City provides the homeless with shelter and three meals a day; this is for about 120 people, including children.”

Saunders and Swart have since separated and Swart helps her daughter Linda Meyer run Hope House, based in Izotsha and Margate.

Saunders said his calling to help homeless people came after spending six years living on the street.

He says they work closely with the police and welfare, assisting where they can.

Saunders is affectionately known as ‘Oupa’ by everyone living on the 3.8 hectare plot.

“You can see everyone living here is happy and cheerful. We have people from all walks of life, even doctors and an advocate. The stress levels of life can also take its toll,” he said.

Dot Putter (70), who lost her job and found herself without a place to go, says residents are well fed and have a lot of fun.

The small holding is spotlessly clean and neat, and boasts an impressive vegetable garden, separate dormitories for men and women, a kitchen, large eating area and a workshop.

Saunders dream is to have a dormitory to house abused women and children, and the building is almost complete thanks to donations by service clubs.

There are also three ‘camp’ sites consisting of various sizes of tents. Children receive lessons from a teacher.

Saunders explained that during last year’s lockdown the vegetable garden served as a saving grace, and residents were able to live off the fresh produce.

There’s a slight farm atmosphere too, with chickens, ducks and rabbits.

“Everyone living on the property has a role to play and have to work by either baking, cooking, working in the vegetable garden, workshop or helping with maintenance,” he added.

Any wood that is donated is used to make beds, cupboards and tables.

Service organisations, businesses and individuals have been extremely supportive of Tent City, and regularly donate necessary items.

If you would like to donate to Tent City – food, unwanted goods or even building materials – are always very welcome.

Saunders can be contacted at 079 7975838.

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