Pop-up clothing store for the homeless

Johannesburg Organisation of Services to the Homeless (Josh), in collaboration with The Street Store, will host a pop-up clothing store for homeless people living in and around Randburg.

Josh chief executive officer, Mary Gillett de Klerk said the purpose of the store was to give destitute people an opportunity to select clothing, at no cost to themselves, and in a way that preserves their dignity.

“Donated clothes are displayed on tables and hangers, and homeless people are met at the entrance by a store assistant and guided through the store to select a number of items,” De Klerk said.

“All donations are most welcome. We specifically need clothing, cardboard boxes for storage, coat hangers and recyclable carrier bags. As winter is approaching, we would also love to be able to give each shopper a blanket.”

Established in Cape Town in 2014, the Street Store concept has become a worldwide phenomenon. It is the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, no-charge pop-up clothing store for the homeless, located on the street and stocked by donations.

Josh will host the 422nd event of its kind from 10am to 2pm on the corner of Bram Fischer Drive and Grove Street in Ferndale.

Gillett de Klerk added that Josh is a social enterprise which offers a range of services to enable the homeless to journey off the streets and into gainful employment. “Our office is located on the property of the Randburg Methodist Church and we offer counselling and a job placement service for the homeless,” she said.

“We are also looking into establishing a skills training centre to upskill people and create jobs.”

Details: 011 886 0025; info.joburghomeless@gmail.com