Council approved shelter is a labour of love
A Durban woman is thrilled that after six years of hard work and patience, her labour of love, a Council approved shelter for Durban's homeless will open next month.
SIX years and a few challenges later, a Durban woman is seeing the realisation of a dream to help the city's homeless with the imminent opening of the Haven of Hope Shelter for the Homeless.
Charlene Usher has always had a heart for those in need. “I've been working on this project for such a long time and it wasn't an easy road, but I feel blessed that its finally going to open,” she said.
Charlene said it all started when she read a newspaper notice calling NGO's and NPO's to a meeting about the homeless at Warwick Avenue. I didn't have an NGO, just my passion and vision for doing something good for the homeless so I went thinking I'd see and just take it as it comes.”
After meeting iTrump's, Inner eThekwini Regeneration and Urban Management Programme's Hoosen Moola, at the meeting, Usher realised there certainly was an urgent need for a shelter. “I was so excited and got in touch with my architect but there were a few hiccups and plans went to and fro, so patience was key,” she said. Six years and much admin and bureaucracy later, Usher is extremely proud of the shelter, which has two levels, in dormitory style as requested by Council. “We have the first floor for women and the second for men. We have a laundry area where people can wash their clothes, lockers for their belongings, toilets, showers and a kitchen on each floor, but there will not be any cooking, only a place to warm any food or make warm drinks. We also have a toilet and bathroom for the disabled,” she said proudly.
While the fresh smell of clean walls and sparkling floors greets one at the soon-to-be-opened shelter, Usher is determined to ensure the shelter stays that way. “I believe cleanliness is next to Godliness. The shelter is a reflection of who I am so going forward I have to maintain a standard of cleanliness and this shelter will be run in a very orderly fashion. I want to give people the dignity they deserve. Both Council and I agree that safety is imperative as well. So we have security and cameras as a priority. When people come through, they will have to take a shower before they are assigned a bed for the night,” she explained.
The Sydenham born Usher said seeing people from good homes fall through the cracks of society and end up on the streets leaving behind homes, family and jobs was saddening. “It's very sad that a lot of these people come from good caring homes but due to unemployment, drugs and other social issues, have lost everything. I was once in the system depending on government grants so I know how difficult it is and want to provide a safe place for these people,” she said.
The grey metal doors to the shelter on Soldier's Way, opposite The Virgin Active will be open from 1 October to Durban's homeless where R40 will get you a safe place to stay for the night.
