Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shaw said, “This remains a highly contentious issue and as with many issues, the solutions are not clear cut. There is a lot of work that needs to go into changing the homeless policy in the city. They cannot keep expanding its shelters if they plan on managing them as badly as they do. I believe too that nobody should be living in a park, the homeless living in Alberts Farm also believe this. They would far rather be living in a well-run shelter or their own home.”
She adds that the JHN and other similar organisations are in possession of extensive knowledge and on-the-ground experience and are best placed to advise on the most promising practices for helping the homeless off the streets. “I believe it is time we listen to them to help the homeless out of parks and public open spaces.”
ALSO READ: Removing the homeless from where they sleep is not a sustainable approach, or solution
Hence the creation of the JHN drop-in centre at the Greydene Church at the edge of Alberts Farm where the 30 homeless individuals who live in the eco-zone are being assisted. This project is being supported by FOAFC with Rood saying, “Joining forces with JHN seemed the logical and most sensible route to assisting the homeless as the process uses the services of a social worker and follows best practice in dealing with homeless people.”
They believe the solution for keeping the park a conservancy requires a stakeholder approach which should include the city, JHN, residents and the homeless themselves.
“We need a change in mindset regarding the homeless and be proactive in working toward the middle ground and mutual respect between all the stakeholders. FOAFC are now in the process of developing an environmental programme for the park that will start with the homeless and have created a sub-committee under JHN for Alberts Farm. Time is needed to determine if the project will result in a park without homeless.”
ALSO READ: Raids at Alberts Farm
