Alberton residents helps the homeless
Residents from Silwerkroon Flats took notice of two people who live in their car in Randhart.
EVEN though there has been a problem regarding homeless people in Alberton for a long time, it’s recently drawn a lot of attention from concerned Alberton residents.
Residents from Silwerkroon Flats took notice of two people who live in their car in Randhart. A Meyersdal resident’s heart breaks for several people sleeping on the grass close to where she lives.
Living in a car
Two pensioners and residents at Silwerkroon Flats noticed an old white Ford Falcon that’s often parked next to Jacqueline Street or in the parking lot of Jacqueline Mall. They’ve noticed this many times when they drive by or go shopping at the mall.
They said that there are two people who are always inside or close to the car.
“It’s a man and a woman and I estimate them to be between 40 and 50 years old,” said one of the pensioners, Elsie Dawes.
“They are certainly homeless and I think the reason they park at the mall is to use the bathrooms. It’s not right that they have to live like that – nobody deserves to struggle like that.”
The other pensioner, Billy Olivier, added: “We gave them some money and food a few times. Recently we took them some toiletries, blankets and some money for groceries. I put myself in their situation and I think it must be really hard for them because I can see that they are proud, dignified people. It’s very sad.”
Elsie and Billy are inviting anyone willing and able to set aside some basic necessities for these two people, such as food and toiletries and perhaps some bedding. If you’d like to help them, feel free to call Elsie on 076 259 3993 or Billy on 072 651 2865.
Sleeping on the sidewalk
A lady from Meyersdal, who lives close to Seeff le Roux Street, noticed several people who sleep on a grassy sidewalk next to the street at night; their blankets neatly folded and kept on the sidewalk during the day.
“It’s so extremely sad,” said the lady. “Imagine how cold it must be for them, sleeping outside at night without even a tent for refuge. My heart breaks as I see their blankets folded so neatly on the sidewalk during the day, where they will sleep again when night time comes.”
The lady often sends soup and bread to them to have peace of mind that they at least had a meal for the day. She, along with numerous other community members, wishes that a night shelter can be established in Alberton.
She said: “I just wish there was a place that offered them shelter and warmth during the night. I know there are places that let people pay a very small fee in exchange for shelter for the night. It would be so helpful if such a place can be developed in Alberton, especially for those who deserve it and won’t abuse free shelter.”
Also Read:
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[GALLERY + VIDEOS]: Returning warmth to Alberton homeless
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