New manager restore Cliffdale homeless men’s shelter
The Ark has had some bad publicity over the years but the new manager, George Pretorius has refurbished and uplifted the shelter which is a home to 71 destitute and homeless men.
A DELAY in a move to immigrate to Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise for George Pretorius who has taken The Ark, a shelter for homeless men, to new heights.
The Ark’s mission, an NGO in Cliffdale, is to uplift the homeless, destitute and less fortunate men. The team also aim to uplift and restore dignity through skills training and ministry.
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Pretorius who has been managing the establishment for the past six months said he sold everything as he was on another mission – immigration.
After his immigration was delayed, Pretorius was stranded and needed a place to live. That’s when he found himself at The Ark.
“I was not keen at the beginning but being here for the past year has really changed my mind set and given me a new look on life.”
The NGO has had some bad publicity over the years but Pretorius has brightened up the place and implemented positive changes.
“I want this place to feel like a home rather than just a shelter for the 71 men residing here,” he said.
With the eldest resident being 85 years old, Pretorius said the time spent at the shelter varies according to a person circumstances.
“Other people phone in and others are just abandoned by their families while we also have recovering addicts,” said Pretorius.
Everyone deserves a second chance
He mentioned that the time spent at The Ark is used for restoration and they do not let people leave until they are comfortable that they are ready to back into the world and be independent.
“We help them with CVs so that they could find jobs. We treat them with dignity, this is a church organisation and we believe that people deserve a second chance in life,” said Pretorius.
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With each resident’s circumstance different from another, Pretorius said he is on a mission of getting more counsellors to help out restore their dignity and even be reunited their families.
“People need a hand up in life, if we can we can give them that then we would have succeeded.
“I want people to feel at home, we have a TV and pool room and there is also a library. We also have various programmes and bible studies which are compulsory since this is ministry organisation,” he said.
Pretorius said the place operate mostly on faith.
“The percentage that is paid by pensioners who receive grant money goes towards paying for municipal bills.
“We do get donations of food which we are always grateful for.”
He said they recently received a donation from Mr Price, “Each resident was given at least four outfits and looking good uplifts ones attitude and confidence,” said a grateful Pretorius.
Inside The Ark, there is a restaurant which is open to the public which sells mouth watering food. There is also a nursery and a second hand shop.
“We do bit by bit in restoring this place as the walls have been given an uplift but the roof at our second hand shop is just damaged and we need help to fix it.”
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He added that he believes that God put him there for a reason, I want to see this place change for the better and to see its occupants dignity being restored.
“My long term goal is to build another place which can cater for women and children as well since we have a big piece of land,” said Pretorius.
People who wish to assist with donations or would like to find out more about The Ark can contact George Pretorius on 062 756 9601 or email admin@thearkkzn.co.za.
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