Homelessness is not an issue that can be dealt with easily
Understanding the systemic problems with homelessness in Ward 88 will go a long way to supporting those who support the destitute.
People become homeless for a multitude of reasons, and it is a ‘shame that so few resources are available to the homeless in Johannesburg’, said Mary Gillett-de Klerk, founder of Johannesburg Organisation of Services to the Homeless (Josh).
De Klerk said, “Homeless shelters provide a short-term solution but do not have the capacity to offer sustainable help to all who need assistance, although they do try their best.”
Josh, along with several other organisations work diligently to try and help the homeless as they form part of our communities and deserve assistance.
She explained the complex process that national and local governments are undergoing with civil society and other role players to improve the response to the homelessness crisis. It is hoped the fruits of these processes will be realised soon.
Homeless individuals are often dealt with punitively and told to ‘move on’ from where they sleep by JMPD for example, as a by-law is being infringed such as, sleeping overnight in a public park. This does not solve the problem, a more dynamic approach to this needs to be implemented by authorities.
De Klerk said, “In 2019 there were an estimated 15 000 homeless on the streets of Johannesburg with roughly only 1 000 beds in shelters. The Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened this figure although no official count is available for 2022.”
The Johannesburg Homeless Network will be hosting this year’s ‘national conversation’ in November, with the theme of working together with municipalities.
Hurdles faced by the destitute are numerous. “Individuals often don’t have their IDs as they are lost or stolen. This is a huge barrier to being able to register for many city services,” said Japie Krige, general manager at Tshepo, a community development initiative based in Northcliff that works to assist many homeless individuals in the area.
Krige also explained, “The longer someone is living on the streets, the higher the chance of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual violence and trauma.”
Let’s Work, based in Northcliff and formed by Felicity Lawlor, aims to create sustainable solutions for the homeless who live in the wider community. Her novel approach sees some of the most vulnerable access work such as working with the city to clean up green spaces and looking after public parks.
Lawlor explained that when someone joins their programme they have six weeks to find accommodation, as they are paid for the work they do. This helps ensure that funds are not spent on alcohol and drugs. They are assisted with practical items like clothing, a matrass and toiletries when accommodation is secured. These are all sourced via donations of money or in kind from the community.
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