For many people the Boksburg Post Office in Leeuwpoort Street might just be a rusty old building; however, some call it home.
The fact that people are living at the post office is a great concern for Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos, who decided to take action by looking for alternative accommodation for those who seek shelter at the post office.
Hope Ministries saw De Vos’s plea to get these people off the streets and are now taking approximately 20 people from the post office under their wing.
De Vos expressed his gratefulness that somebody is willing to lend a helping hand to the people living at the post office.
“I was ecstatic when I was informed that Hope Ministries are prepared to assist the people living at the post office. Homelessness is a growing crisis that needs to be addressed.
“Both government and local municipality have no policy or relief measures in place to protect these people against harsh weather conditions, be it winter or summer,” said De Vos.
“The homeless are still seeking shelter at the post office; however it’s temporarily and we’re currently working on a permanent solution. I believe that teaching them skills is definitely a step in the right direction.
“These people are now off the streets during the day are kept busy with something constructive. This will most definitely help these people to get back on their feet.”
According to De Vos, the homeless at the post office are now getting a second chance to a better life.
“I believe that they deserve a second chance like all of us. Every person in this universe has made a mistake at one point or another. Therefore I am grateful that these people are now getting this opportunity to improve themselves.
“They’re so grateful and excited about learning new skills. It’s unbelievable how this opportunity changed their mind-sets and made them more positive. I truly hope that we can reunite them with their families and that this will help them to find their way back into our society,” added De Vos.
He also found out that the post office will be refurnished is the financial year.
Anybody who would like to support these people by buying their handiwork may contact De Vos on 081 524 6950 or marius40devos@gmail.com.
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