Local chaplain brings hope to homeless

AS South Africans face another week of lockdown, the uncertain times ahead can lead to worry and panic. For the most vulnerable members of society, managing these concerns is vital and Dave Richter is one man hoping to help the homeless and encourage them through the weeks and months to come as countries across the globe battle the Covid-19 pandemic.

Richter who is the Missions and Justice Director at Grace Family Church (GFC), was allocated to be a Chaplain at a men’s shelter located at Durban’s Old Drive In.

“As a Chaplain, I provide spiritual and general encouragement to the homeless by checking in on their well being, praying with them and encouraging them,” he said.

Richter’s involvement began with the start of the lockdown.

Also read: Grace Family Church shows Easter spirit

“I was working at the Durban Exhibition Centre during the first three days of lockdown when about 2000 homeless people were health screened and assessed by social workers,” he said.

Offering encouragement to the homeless is a lifeline amidst the uncertainty that Covid-19 brings.

“In the first week, the atmosphere was tense, people were agitated. That has dissipated and there’s been a sense of calm as the weeks have progressed. People seem more relaxed now and they have much hope for the future. Some want to go back to school and others are thinking of jobs,” he said.

Richter has also been using the lockdown period to inform those at the shelter about the GFC life skills and job readiness training programme which will be available to them after lockdown.

Also read: Covid-19: Church ‘attendance’ soars as services go online for Easter

“There’s a perception that the homeless are scary, but they are just regular people trying to better their lives and they all have hopes and dreams for a better future,” said Richter.

The 10 day programme equips the homeless to write a CV, search for job vacancies and get ready for a job interview.

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