Lance and Alida Erasmus, a couple who live in a rented caravan in Elsburg, are calling on the community for help.

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The two live in a friend’s backyard and they are renting the caravan to ensure they have a roof over their heads.

Lance was involved in a car crash in 2003 and suffered spinal nerve damage. He now uses crutches to walk and needs to take his medicine every day.

Due to Covid-19, Lance lost his job in 2020 when the factory that he was working for closed down.

He said he worked at another factory for three months on a temporary basis before they closed as well.

“My wife and I couldn’t afford to pay rent where we were living so they chased us out,” he said.

“When I lost my job we moved in with Alida’s niece, but they had to sell their house.

“Alida’s lifetime friend took us in on a temporary basis and offered us the caravan.

“I receive my SASSA grant and we use that to pay rent, medication, food and other essential stuff.

“But the problem is that Alida’s friend is also moving out. They are selling their property for personal reasons and we have to find another accommodation,

“We are asking anyone who has a room in their backyard to contact us. All we need is a roof over our heads, access to water, a toilet and a kitchen plug,” said an emotional Lance.

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The Erasmus couple is looking for employment to supplement Lance’s SASSA grant.

“I have no problem with my brain or my upper body. I can do welding, grinding, carpentry or even washing dishes. I use my crutches to walk for a short distance,” said Lance.

He had two hip replacement surgeries and he is required to take his subscribed medication on a daily basis.

Lance said he cannot afford to buy his required medicine and as a result, he uses supplementary medicine.

The couple has been married for more than 30 years.

Alida said their situation also affects her health as she is diabetic.

“I cannot get the nutrients that my body requires because we cannot afford proper food to make a decent meal,” said Alida.

“I know how to operate a sewing machine. Give me a sewing machine and I will tell you all about it,” she said.

“My working experience for anyone who would like to hire me includes working at a daycare, managing a pizza shop and managing a laundromat.

“We use a 5l bucket to bathe and wash clothes. We have been to Ekurhuleni for a subsidised house but received no help,” said Alida.

Lance served two years in the army. When he met Alida he had just returned from Angola.

One of their children, Bianca Erasmus, described her parents as strong individuals who are kind and loving.

“They would do anything to help the person next to them. I worry for their safety and shelter is a huge concern.

They have a small car which they can use to move around but it needs a service and new tyres. They just need jobs.

“I live with my husband and we are in a financial crisis. He is the only one between the two of us who is employed.

I struggle to find work because of my little work experience and I do not have my matric.

“We are renting a one-bedroom flat and we are not allowed to have people permanently moving in with us.

“My husband does not earn enough to help either but we do assist my parents as much as we can financially but they need more help,” said Bianca.

Anyone willing to assist may contact Alida at 079 856 4835 or Bianca at 061 920 9560.