Meaningful help for the homeless – at last
“I know first-hand what a lot of these individuals are going through.”
To help the homeless of Edenvale, Francus Palm has established a community forum in town to assist those in need.
Francus, the founder of Kempton Park’s Helping Empower the Less Privileged (HELP) Forum, believes community members need to work together to assist the homeless.
“There are so many organisations in each town which all do the same thing and give the same donations,” said Francus.
“HELP forums give the organisations the opportunity to work together in a coordinated effort.”
HELP forums have been established in Kempton Park, Alberton and now Edenvale.
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Each forum will address specific problems facing their town.
Francus decided to establish additional forums after he was approached by the City of Ekurhuleni.
He was asked by the management of the department of social development to assist in developing a policy to address vagrants in the municipality.
Francus said the forums will focus on assisting the homeless and “pave the way for the city’s policy.”
According to Francus, the forums will help the homeless in a holistic manner.
They will cater to their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
As a former drug addict, Francus knows the importance of helping those in need.
“When I started using drugs, I hit rock bottom,” he explained.
“I know first-hand what a lot of these individuals are going through.”
Francus, who has been clean for five years, said after he gave himself to God things started improving for him.
He said although things were not easy, he persevered and pushed through.
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“I want to be able to assist those who want help and show them that there is hope,” said Francus.
Once the forums become operational and a network of organisations has been established, they will assist the homeless even further. In addition to providing donations, he hopes the forums will be able to offer help for addiction, prostitution, abuse and provide skills development.
He said the forums will make use of volunteer social workers, therapists and psychologists.
“My dream is to help the homeless and teach them to be self-sustaining individuals of society.”
Contact 083 629 5164 to get involved in the Edenvale HELP Forum.
