House of hope too small

A mother of two fleeing from her abusive husband, a pregnant teenage girl thrown out on the streets, two children left homeless because their mother is currently in hospital undergoing chemotherapy and a woman living in her car.

These are all real-life circumstances under which women recently have turned to The Cradle of Hope House of Restoration in Krugersdorp West; however they had to be placed on a waiting list.

Melodie van Brakel, founder of the house for abused, vulnerable, homeless and destitute mothers and children says that although she wants to provide a safe haven for the women she is unable to because their house is filled to capacity.

“Since we opened our doors in 2006 a growing number of women have turned to us for help. This year we reached a point where our house has become too small,” she says.

“During 2006 when we started we focused on children, but very soon expanded to women and young girls as well. In 2013 we very actively became involved in assisting men and young boys as well, which caused our numbers to grow drastically,” she explains.

“We are doing the best we can under the circumstances, but this does not mean we sleep at night. The disappointment and desperation in the eyes of the women, children and young girls we have to turn away on a daily basis haunt us,” she says.

Some of the phone calls she received in the past four weeks were about a woman who has turned to prostitution to feed her children and a destitute girl who fell pregnant after being gang-raped. She had no option but to turn them away.

Searching for solutions Van Brakel came across a vacant house close to the current one and although it is badly neglected she says through some assistance she hopes to restore the building to provide a home for the women in need.

The R700 000 price tag is the next challenge in the journey and Van Brakel calls on the community of Krugersdorp to contribute.

Meanwhile staff at the current home is equipping the house to accommodate more women.

“We are moving things around to make space for six bunker beds that will sleep 12. We also will appreciate assistance in this regard,” she says.

To assist contact Melodie van Brakel on 011 660 4623.