A CHURCH group committed to feeding and clothing the city’s homeless, now finds itself out in the cold.
For more than three years, the Open Doors ministry of the Outlook Church in Richards Bay fed scores of unemployed and destitute men and women every Sunday from a hall at the rear of the municipality’s Civic Centre building.
With the vision of one day being able to build a permanent shelter and provide training that would make them employable, the church started by befriending them and catering for their basic physical needs.
Every Sunday, volunteers would cook and serve a warm meal in a ground floor dining room at the municipal building.
‘That all changed at the end of May this year,’ said Outlook Church team leader Derrick Schwartz.
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‘We arrived at the same venue only to be blocked by the security from entering the hall, which was locked and gated.
‘No explanation was given and we subsequently met with city officials in mid-June.
‘Vague allegations were made about chairs being stolen, but this was not possible in my opinion as we keep strict supervision during the lunch times.
‘The official who dealt with us promised an alternative place for the soup kitchen would be arranged, but that has still not happened,’ Schwartz said this week.
‘In the meantime we are continuing to feed them and minister to them behind the Civic Centre, despite them being exposed to rain, wind and heat.
‘The venue we once had is now being used by another church group.’
Schwartz is hoping for help from the business community.
‘The idea is to get them some sort of basic training or to find them any form of meaningful, legitimate employment and dignity.
‘Even if is just sweeping the streets to get a small income, this could give them self-esteem and perhaps ultimately lift them from a life on the streets.’
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