Church extends a helping hand to homeless people
De Beer says they have taken every precaution to protect themselves and the residents with the use of masks, gloves and sanitisers.
The John Wesley Community Centre, in partnership with the Northfield Methodist Church, has been feeding 200 homeless people at the Bakerton Community Hall since the lockdown began.
The centre’s Quinton de Beer says all this has been a partnership with various entities.
“The Department of Social Development got in touch with us to facilitate the feeding.
“With the help of the EMPD and Sanca, they were able to identify people who needed help and rounded them up here.
“We’re feeding and housing 200 people here and 120 in Benoni,” says de Beer.
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De Beer says they have taken every precaution to protect themselves and the residents with the use of masks, gloves and sanitisers.
The Department of Health cleared all the residents before they moved into the hall.
The number of people currently on site was based on the social-distancing regulation set down.
Health inspectors have also been at the hall and have given their approval.
At present, the residents are served three meals a day, which are cooked off-site and then transported to the hall.
“Nutrition is very important as some of the residents have underlying conditions,” says de Beer.
The residents were also provided with mattresses and blankets to use for the duration of their stay.
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Speaking on their work during this time, de Beer says: “In times like these, we need more community, not less.
“As faith-based organisations, we have to be with the vulnerable and respond and maintain care.
“Contrary to what people may think, the residents are not the worst of society.
“Everyone here has a story and has a voice, and we don’t discredit it.
“Our role is how we can help them change the outcome of their story.”
The centre says they will provide shelter and food as long as the lockdown continues.
The centre is not accepting any new people or visitors.
Entry to the hall is controlled by security on-site 24 hours a day.
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