Homeless people from Boksburg, Benoni and Germiston who are being housed at the Benoni Town Hall said they wish that they can be allowed to stay at the shelter even after the lockdown period.
The destitute men and women shared that life was much easier at the shelter than on the streets.
They have been staying there since April 2, as part of the government’s initiative to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The Advertiser visited the shelter on April 8 and found the homeless people in high spirit.
Some of the youngsters where playing soccer while others were still sleeping inside the hall around 11am.
One of the homeless people Nature Maphangula (51), who used to live near the Tambo Memorial Hospital before he was taken to the shelter, said they were well taken care of at the shelter.
“I am happy that we have been brought to this place because we don’t have to stress about where our next meal will come from. We receive a meal three times a day and we get the opportunity to bath,” he said.
Maphangula excitedly shared that his hair was also shaved for the first time in the last two months.
Another homeless person Justin Meyer said since he came to the shelter he has been feeling relaxed and at peace.
“The help that we have been receiving here has lifted the burden in our shoulders. We also urge the municipality to create employment opportunities or skills training so we can maintain the new lifestyle that we have adopted since we left the streets,” Meyer said.
Meyer also expressed appreciation to the health officials and social workers.
“The officials have been treating us like dignified human beings and Sanca has also avail themselves to assist us get over our addiction,” Meyers said.
Yural Busby said he hopes the Department of Home Affairs could also come on board and provide them with identity documents.
Meanwhile, in Boksburg, some homeless people have been left behind in Boksburg South, Windmill Park and Rietfontein Road and Boksburg North.
According to Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos, his efforts to get the Department of Social Development and the municipality to place the remaining homeless people in shelters haven’t been taken serious.
De Vos said generous residents from Parkdene and Parkrand have donated tents to accommodate the homeless people who have been left behind.
“Some residents have donated blankets, pillows and food for the homeless people,” de Vos said.
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