Providing for the homeless

In the recent address of the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that during the time we are busy battling the coronavirus pandemic people need to work together for the virus have a huge impact on all of us especially on those who are poor and destitute.

eMalahleni is taking hands in making sure there is enough shelter for all homeless during the 21-day lockdown that started midnight on Thursday, March 26 until Thursday, April 16.

New Life Church is one of the places that have a facility available for the homeless, they will only be able to shelter 25 people.

They will also need volunteers to help with preparing food for the homeless.

Tammy de Oliveira from New Life Church said: “I wish it was possible to help all of them but we have to make sure there is enough space and food to accommodate the people placed at our shelter”.

Ethembeni Children’s Home is also accommodating homeless people as well as another shelter in Klarinet Extension 6.

The department of social development led by Mould Empower Serve (MES) Blessing Thandi Shongwe has on Saturday, 28 March managed to place more than 200 homeless people around eMalahleni and Middelburg where they will be fed three times a day and dignity packs will also be provided.

The department is working together with local municipalities, South African Police Services and businesses to make sure this is a safe and successful project.

The homeless people will also be visited at the shelters by social workers, health care and practitioners.

Department of social development spokesperson Comfort Ngobe said: “The department is also planning to look at programs where they can be assisted after the 21 days of lockdown”.

Jabez House in Voortrekker Street is closed during the lockdown period and is working together with New Life Church.