Centre remains committed to plight of the homeless
For more information regarding the Manger Care Centre call 010 745 2145 or www.mangercentre.co.za
The work done by organisations working with the homeless came under the spotlight on October 20, as the Gauteng Department of Social Development commemorated World Homeless Day at the Manger Care Centre, Brentwood Park.
Observed under the theme, ‘Mind the Gap, Leave No One and Place Behind,’ the event was aimed at celebrating the strides the department has made in bettering the lives of those living on the streets, throughout the province.
Since 2021 the department has partnered with the centre, which serves as a shelter for homeless people, assisting more than 500 beneficiaries to gain a new lease on life through skills development.
Other than providing shelter to those who have become destitute due to life-altering circumstances, the centre offers an array of skills development programmes.
This includes clothing, textile, carpentry, upholstery, baking as well as agricultural projects, to ensure that beneficiaries become self-reliant after exiting the centre.
According to Naidine Andersson, project manager at the Manger Care Centre, many of the centre’s residents ultimately become destitute and often turn to substance abuse due to trauma that they have experienced.
“In many cases, our beneficiaries land up on the streets as a result of trying to escape from abusive situations,” said Andersson.
“Our residents have lost everything, including their dignity. We strive to not only equip our residents with skills but to work with them and to restore their dignity and sense of self-worth.”
Andersson further stated that as members of the Homeless Forum, they work tirelessly to educate the community about what help is available for the homeless throughout the metro.
“Instead of turning a blind eye or merely handing a person begging on the side of the road a silver coin, we urge the community to share information regarding centres like ours, with those in need,” she said.
“Offering a hand-up is worth more than a hand-out. It could change a homeless person’s life.”
Centre CEO Zen Teitge echoed the sentiment saying that the centre prides itself in being a compass for real sustainable help, for those who have lost all hope.
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