Durbanites share the night with the homeless

HUNDREDS of non-homeless people got a chance to share the city after dark, with homeless people who live in the city's streets every night. The annual Dare2Share event was organized by the Denis Hurley Center and I Care and aimed at raising awareness of the plight of the homeless.

The 350 homeless citizens of Durban who attended the event, shared their stories with the non-homeless people. While many of them said they never imagined a life on the streets, others like Sinethemba Khaola admitted he lives on the streets because he is a Whoonga addict who does not want to live under rules.

“I have been here since 2009. I do not like it here but because I made some terrible mistakes in life I found myself here. I came here today thinking that we were going to get free clothes and blankets. I cannot say its all bad in the streets,some things are good, like the friends that I have made, they have now become like my family, we take care of each other. I must say that I am happy that we can talk to people who don't live on the street freely, without anyone feeling scared,” he said.

According to Njabulo Mngadi, who has been on the streets for three years, whoonga addiction among the homeless is a big problem. He said drugs were used as a coping mechanism.

“I never used to smoke or drink, but ever since I started living on the streets I was exposed to a lot of bad things, whoonga was one of them. Many of us want to quit but can't because we are scared of the withdrawal symptoms. I tried once to quit for a weekend, it was bad, I thought I was going to die. I wish more such events are held because no one wants to stay in the streets, we want help and the people must not judge us,” Mngadi said.

Raymond Perrier from the Denis Hurley Center said: “We shared food, music, prayer, health education and fellowship. About 200 people even shared the night by sleeping outside in the mall side by side. Many thanks to all who made the evening possible, all who provided goods and services, the staff and volunteers of DHC and iCare – and the big-hearted participants. Blue Security (and Metro Police) for keeping us safe.”

I Care is an NGO that has been transforming the lives of street children for 13 years with a number of programmes including outreach, rehabilitation, housing/shelter and skills development. Blue Security and the Metro Police also assisted on the evening. Representatives from various organisations were present with facilities available to educate the local homeless people about the various health and well-being services available to them.