The City thanks organisations involved in assisting homeless people across their shelters.
Toiletries, food parcels, computer training and entrepreneurship courses are some of the donations that the homeless at the City of Johannesburg’s 1 Dan Street shelter in Florida, Roodepoort, received during a ceremony aimed to honour stakeholders that are keeping the shelter afloat. According to a statement released by the City, Islamic Relief, Eleven06 Solutions, Synergic Covenant Network and Westview Alcohol and Drug Rehab Clinic are some of the organisations that were recognised for empowering and restoring the dignity of the homeless. Although pleased with the work being done, the City’s regional coordinator at the Department of Social Development, Trisha Rajendrakumar, said the shelters still have a long way to go before their challenges are resolved.
Rajendrakumar explained, “Most of the people who come to the shelters do not have identity documents or valid passports. We recently roped in the Department of Home Affairs and different embassies to assist us.”
Eleven06 Solutions founder Desigan Govender committed his logistic company to pay for all individuals who are applying for new IDs and temporary IDs at Home Affairs. Govender shared, “Having an ID restores hope, something which people who are here really need the most. Almost all people who are here don’t work, more especially now during Covid-19 lockdown, which has seen the economy shed many jobs.”
The 1 Dan Street shelter houses 63 homeless men aged between 19 and 80 years from South Africa and the neighbouring countries. Smira Zwide, a qualified teacher who has been staying at the shelter since May, said he is grateful for the support. “I urge all organisations and businesses to get involved and uplift their communities, especially the youth and most vulnerable,” the 26-year-old added.
Homeless shelters within the City of Joburg also include shelters at 3 Kotze Street (overnight shelter), Windsor West (soon to be converted into an overnight shelter) and Governor’s House (assessment centre). If you would like to get involved with the City’s shelters or require more information on them, please contact the City’s Displaced Person Unit, 011 407 7308.
