The Johannesburg Homelessness Network hosted its annual conversation which brings together different role players from civil society, government and faith-based organisations together to chart a way forward on homelessness.
The event was held at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre over two days and was attended by close to 200 people.
Critically important were the many homeless men and women in attendance to join the dialogue to ensure they are not left out of any decisions taken on their behalf.
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As previously reported, with estimates of up to 20 000 homeless in the city, it is clear that current government efforts to help are failing and the current shelter system is not fit for the massive burden it faces.
Mary Gillett-de Klerk from the JHN said, “People need to realise that the homeless in their communities need to be helped, not just told to move, they form part of the same communities. But slowly people are realising that they have skills and things in common when they make the effort to meet them, they are not just a nameless face, but an asset to the community if we shift our perspectives.”
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She called for the implementation of the a,b,c,d approach; asset-based citizen-led development.
The Department of Social Developments (DSD) Executive Director Mr. Malome Makgoba said he hopes to work with relevant stakeholders to identify properties that can be run as places of safety for the homeless while also offering programmes and solutions to get them re-established in society. He also admitted that government is unable to tackle this crisis alone and that partnerships are vital.
“We want to create spaces that are supported by DSD with psychosocial support and social workers but believe these facilities should be run by people on the ground who are dealing in this space effectively already. We accept the current shelter system is not working. We envision NGOs to run these operations with costs like electricity and water being subsidised by local government.” He stressed that corruption and lack of delivery by any role player would not be tolerated but with partners like the Johannesburg Homelessness Network (JHN) the prospects were looking good.”
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Rev. De la Harpe le Roux from the Towers of Hope church in Bloemfontein spoke passionately about the work they do with the homeless, but how they are desperate for more assistance from government. “Like government, we can’t do it alone. Please walk with us as we try to find innovative ways to help our brothers and sisters.”
De Klerk said, “We are slowly changing the hearts and minds of people at community levels and are working with them to find solutions. By having a presence in people’s spaces as in Alberts Farm, it is also easier for residents to know how they can go to if they want to help, or who they can donate to with peace of mind the funds will actually go towards eradicating homelessness.”
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“The Gauteng provincial government is working with us to adopt a policy and guidelines on street homelessness. As a result, R87m has been ringfenced to address the problem in Gauteng because of this policy. We have already applied for some of that to enable us to roll out additional sites like the ones we already have across the city.”
She ended by saying the JHN lauds government for their willingness to work with them and others in this space and hopes in time the national policy will align to the one being finalised in Gauteng.
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