Alberton organisations stand together to give dignity to the homeless
Many Alberton residents were showered with blessings by various local non-profit organisations during a street shower in Builder’s Destination, Alberton North, on December 3.
Various organisations joined hands to bring back dignity to the homeless where the destitute were in for various treats, such as having their hair cut, and taking a shower to enjoy a scrumptious meal.
The purpose behind the event, hosted on December 3, was to reach out to the homeless and destitute to experience a day where they were being treated with kindness and affection.
Life On The Streets (LOTS#), Addicts Voice, Fearless Life Ministries, Salvation Foundation, The Beehive Foundation, Sole2Sole, Rooftop Encounter Ministries and Women of Power were among the organisations that brought smiles to vulnerable individuals.
Event host Eric McKechnie of LOTS# said that as a Christ-fearing organisation they do believe that there are a lot of souls out there who are in need of help.
“They are lost because of their own doings, lost because of drugs, and lost because of addiction. It is our duty to help.
“Previously, we used to do Christmas meals but it didn’t offer a time for interaction with them. With the street shower we get a close-up interaction with the homeless for about an hour or two,” said McKechnie.
Around 05:00 in the morning, the homeless began to line up at the gate. Ten people were allowed to enter at a time while tight rules and regulations were followed.
The organisations started by cutting the hair and nails of the individuals to give them a different look, then received the ‘hope in a box’ pack which is filled with toiletries.
The destitute then moved to receive new clothes of their choice, which they were meant to be worn after showering.
“We treated them as we would like to be treated because goodwill can improve everyone’s perception of the world. They can enhance positive emotions like optimism, excitement, stability, and confidence.
“Additionally, they could inspire others to carry out the kind deeds they have already done, fostering a better sense of community,” said street shower’s co-host Evette Kruger of Addicts Voice.
Immediately after taking a shower, the unshielded got their feet washed and were honoured with shoes from the Sole2Sole Foundation.
Just before the homeless feasted on a delicious meal, complete with soft drinks and dessert, they also had a health check.
According to Corne van Tonder of Addicts Voice, to declare that you have made a difference you do not necessarily need to assist everyone on earth. A difference is made, nevertheless, by the one person, you managed to make smile.
“When you are not fully informed, it is simple to make assumptions or draw conclusions. Vagrants are frequently misunderstood since it appears like they abandoned their homes due to their disorderly behaviour, even if this is not always the case,” said Corne.
