The unknown mute homeless man who slept on a pavement in Quellerie Park refused to go back to the shelter after the community came together to help better his circumstances.
The News first reported about the unknown homeless man on 26 October. The man walked up and down Culemborg Street with his blanket tied to his back and his broom in his hand, busy sweeping the streets.
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 to the man whereby he spent the night in the shelter.
Two days later, the News and residents again decided to help and through generous donations, a goodie-bag was handed over to the man.
On arrival at the shop corner, the man was sitting outside with his broom and blanket.
When he was informed that he was no longer going to sleep on the streets, he just simply refused by means of hand signals.
The resident who collected the goods and vouchers broke down in tears at that moment, and even begged the man to reconsider going to the shelter.
With hand signals the homeless man explained that ‘something’ bit him there and that he did not want to go back there again.
He was handed a piece of paper and a pen, but even his notes were somewhat confusing to understand.
Nonetheless the man was blessed with a bag, full of donations from various community members, which contained socks, underwear, toiletries, cold drinks, cigarettes and even sweets.
After he received some slap-chips from a goodhearted customer, the man eagerly opened the parcel and humbly offered some to the News (see video).
The News along with the resident then took to the streets to handout vouchers and the remainder of the donations to other homeless people in town who could at least enjoy one comfortable night’s sleep at the shelter.
This was also the last time the man was seen in Quellerie Park.
Related articles:
• A good night’s rest for homeless man
• In their shoes: a night on the street
• ‘n Warm verskil aan haweloses gemaak