Ekurhuleni Homeless Forum ready to elect committee

Funded and non-funded organisations can join the efforts of the Ekurhuleni Homeless Forum (EHF).

The forum was created by the Gauteng Department of Social Development during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Francus Palm, the chairperson.

He explained that the forum met on March 17 and now accepts nominations to the EHF steering committee to lead the forum to meet its objectives.

The forum requires a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and deputy secretary.

“We invite you to nominate yourself, a colleague, community leaders and representatives, and the homeless to steer the EHF.

“The goal is to select strong leaders who will focus on fully developing the strategy of the Homeless Forum, with a strong focus on the five-year implementation plan,” said Palm.

“Ending homelessness requires a multi-stakeholder approach in which communities, civil society organisations, government agencies and the private sector work together to implement systematic responses to help prevent recurring homelessness.

“It is acknowledged that organised citizenry or civil society is essential for democracy and development. These are organisations that work with the government to provide services to vulnerable groups.

“The EHF was established and tasked to implement a strategy to co-ordinate a five-year implementation plan, with clear deliverables, targets and time frames.

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“The steering committee will coordinate and monitor the strategy, guided by the Department of Social Development and relevant departments at a regional level.

“We need representatives from across Ekurhuleni, which include councillors, NPOs, faith-based organisations, rehabilitation services, the departments of health, labour, corrections and home affairs, SASSA, private business and security companies, as well as current homeless persons, to become part of the solution.”

Interested parties can attend a meeting at Manger Care Centre, 8 Kirschner Road, Brentwood Park, on May 19 at 09:00.

All representatives attending will form part of the EHF.

Nominations may be emailed to Andrew@mangercare.co.za and should include a full CV.

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