Giving lots to the people with little
LOTS is a non-profit organisation providing food for the homeless on Alberton's streets.
LIFE On The Streets (Lots) is a non-profit organisation providing food and relief to the people living on the streets of Alberton.
The organisation was founded three years ago when Jörg Schwarze, Clive Fourie and John McAllister saw a huge need for support among the homeless community of Alberton. With a pot of food, they climbed into their cars to provide these people with food. After serving nearly a hundred people on their first night they realised the problem was much more extensive than they previously anticipated. Nearly four years later Lots is still going strong providing a much-appreciated service to the people with the least.
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Lots is currently based out of the Alberton Methodist Church and have been joined by further members Eric McKechnie, De Wet De Koch and Martin Alberts. Together they use their mobile kitchen built into the back of a van to provide people the length of 2nd Avenue with a hot meal at least once a week. Ensuring that the people have a hot meal is something the group takes very seriously.
Along with their weekly food runs, Lots organises drives for blankets, food and care packages during the year. These drives, in collaboration with other organisations, are extremely successful providing the NPO with everything they need to continue their work.
“The people of Alberton are extremely caring and very willing to give,” says Jörg Schwarze. Lots, which is entirely dependent on donations have never run short, something they are extremely grateful for.
A large problem Alberton faces is there is no shelter for the homeless in the area. The people currently on the street have nowhere to go and this forces them to remain begging on the streets.
“We intend to make this system a sustainable one, which can create an environment that allows these people to provide for themselves,” says Jörg.
To this end, Lots is currently in the process of leasing a property in North Alberton. This property is intended to not only serve as shelter for the people but also provide land for sustenance farming. Unfortunately, the lease has been delayed forcing work on the shelter to come to a halt.
A common misconception, according to Lots, is that giving people at the traffic lights money is going to help them. This money does not go towards improving their quality of life but rather facilitates their bad habits. The people need help with food and clothes rather than monetary supplies.
“Sometimes a conversation with them does more good than just giving,” says Jörg. “We as a community need to change our perception of these people. We need to let go of our fears and let down our walls.
Opening up to them as people does a world of good and paves the way to both improving their lives as well as improving the community.
Life On The Streets invites anyone who feels they want to make a difference to contact them. They can be found on their Facebook page at Life On The Streets.
Alternatively, you can contact Jörg on 071 886 4751 or Eric on 082 570 4330.
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