Not turning a blind eye on the homeless
“If I turn my face away, I am only part of the problem and not the solution.”
This is what Jenny du Toit believes about helping the needy.
She and her husband, Pierre, have made it their business to care for the homeless in Benoni and to “stop for the one”.
She is calling on Benoni residents to help them provide more food to the people they see begging on the streets every day.
Six years ago they turned their home into a refuge for the needy and formed Heart Cry Ministries, in Northmead.
Currently they care for 27 young, homeless people and said they give them food, clothing and blankets (which sometimes are stolen) from their own cupboards and closets.
Jenny said that, recently, they have been struggling to provide for the youngsters on a consistent basis and need assistance.
“It doesn’t matter, even if people just throw bread into our yard we’ll have more for our children,” she said.
One of the children on the streets is Thato Hutang (17), who is severely disabled.
Both his legs are bent and he cannot walk or stand on his own for very long.
He said that, about 10 years ago, he was hit by a car on the streets and doesn’t know who the driver is, because he drove away immediately after the accident.
“There are people like Mama (Jenny) who will go out of their way to show love and care for us, but most people don’t,” a tearful Hutang said.
Du Toit said: “They are my children and I’ve taken the time to get to know them as humans and to listen to their cries, because they, too, deserve to be loved.”
She added that, through experience, she’s learnt that homeless people do not use drugs when they’ve had food, but out of “pure desperation” will take the substances to take away their hunger pangs.
“To get money for these street drugs (dagga) is cheaper than to get bread,” she said.
“The drugs can take away their hunger for up to three days, while bread keeps it away for only a little while before they are hungry once again.
“People should not turn a blind eye; they don’t need to do everything, because that is impossible, but they can do something, even if it’s just giving their time to those who are crying out for help.”
To assist, contact du Toit on 084 676 1748.
Also read:
Rotary Health Days draw hundreds
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
