A busy street corner in a seemingly quiet suburb became the temporary home of a homeless man carrying around his blanket and broom.
This past weekend numerous residents drove past this particular homeless man who walked up and down Culemborg Street in Quellerie Park with his blanket tied to his back and his broom in his hand, busy sweeping the streets.
On Sunday morning as church goers made their way to church and residents went about their daily lives, the News saw the man sleeping on the corner of Reyger and Culemborg Streets.
At around 9am he stretched as he got up from the pavement and started sweeping again.
The News approached residents in the street to find out more about the unknown man, who said the man had been there for about two days and was not really bothering anyone.
Approaching the homeless man, the News learned that for some reason he could not talk properly.
Mumbling with hand signals, the man tried to explain his situation.
The News then decided to intervene and contacted members of the Sector 3 and 4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) for help.
Within minutes a Tower of Life Shelter voucher, which consists of a one night stay which include a hot meal and shower, was made available and a CPF 3 member was there to take the man to the shelter for the night.
Minutes before leaving for the shelter the man did not seem comfortable with the arrangements made on his behalf and mumbled as he tried to explain something to the News.
Workers at the shelter then explained to him that he need not worry as his visit for the night was paid for as they took him in.
This morning, 26 October, the News received word that the man had stayed the night and enjoyed his meal and shower. Workers at the shelter hopes he will return in order to retrieve more information about his situation.
* A practical way the community can get involved in helping the homeless community is by purchasing vouchers from the Tower of Life. These vouchers, sold in booklets of five vouchers for R100, can be redeemed by a homeless or destitute person for a hot shower, a warm meal and a soft bed. One voucher costs R20.
“Your R20 contribution can make an immediate difference. Instead of giving money that might be used for alcohol or drugs, give a voucher. It will guarantee that your money is not wasted,” said Anthony Weilbach, CEO of the Tower of Life Foundation.
These vouchers can be bought at the Tower of Life by contacting Anthony on 060 992 8719.
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• In their shoes: a night on the street
• Do you know the homeless man who collapsed on the sidewalk?
