Community groups spearhead support for vulnerable
On Monday morning homeless people were encouraged to go to the 'Hope on these Streets' building in Richards Bay for screening and health checks, after which they would be accommodated at a temporary shelter
PLANS are currently under way in the City of uMhlathuze to house the homeless and provide relief aid to the vunerable in their homes.
On Monday morning homeless people were encouraged to go to the ‘Hope on these Streets’ building in Richards Bay for screening and health checks, after which they would be accommodated at a temporary shelter.
This follows an intervention spearheaded by a group of local non-profit organisations and community groups – Hope on These Streets, Freedom Generation SA, Do I Care Enough? (DICE), Success Way Foundation, eSikhaleni saMAQHAWE, African Solidarity Campaign, Gentle Touch Foundation and Lifting Hands Social Development – to add their support to city and local government departments to help those who rely on feeding schemes and donations of food parcels.
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The organisations expressed concern over what would happen to the homeless and vunerable groups during the lockdown period if they did not receive meals.
Heading up the Hope on these Streets project, Pastor Jason Currie said there was a slow influx of homeless people at the centre on Monday as they were reluctant to come forward for screening.
‘With the Department of Health we are looking to conduct the screening over a few days.
‘The greatest frustration for all involved is that it is unclear who is the responsible department for the homeless during the lockdown.
‘No one wants to allocate funds and we are facing security challenges, especially with those addicted to drugs,’ said Currie.
‘Currently the feeding schemes are being done by two community organisations, and while the plan we have is not ideal, it is a start and we are hoping that over time the red tape can be cut so the work can continue.
‘Our biggest challenge remains to determine which department is responsible and has the authorisation to action the neccessary tasks.’
Those who would like to support the relief efforts can contact Currie on 082 7217547.
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