Windsor West homeless shelter doing well in lockdown

A homeless centre that started from nothing has been thriving in the Windsor West community thanks to tremendous community support.

“There have been many challenges, but so far things have gone incredibly well. On the first day of opening on 27 March, I can remember thinking what on earth are we going to do. There were only a couple of mattresses and nothing else in the shelter,” said ward 98 councillor Beverley Weweje.

The Windsor West Assessment Centre currently caters to 40 homeless men and is serviced by social workers daily.

“When the lockdown was initiated, we had almost 85 people at this shelter and our biggest challenge was social distancing. We also had one Covid-19 scare, which was handled incredibly well, and it turned out to be a negative case,” continued Weweje.

The number of residents has reduced thanks to the opening of other facilities in the area.Weweje said that without commitment and drive from the community to help with donations, the shelter would have been in a very different space.

“We had no food and no comforts for the homeless. By putting out the call to the community for food and warm blankets, we received a massive response and now the majority of the residents are catered for. The fantastic management of the facility by Lindiwe Tshabalala in the organising of the donations is amazing,” said Weweje.

Community members donated items of comfort, including blankets and pillows, as well as hundreds of items of non-perishable foods.

She said, “The amount of food donated by our community has been amazing. We, unfortunately, have not received much support from our provincial government, so there is a constant call for donations to help keep the stock levels stable.

“Cresta Shopping Centre was the first group to come to our assistance with a contribution of food, clothing, blankets and toiletries. Everything else was donated by community groups such as One Small Act of Kindness and Let’s Work, and our residents’ associations such as the Robin Glen Residents Association in conjunction with the Cresta Residents Association.”

Weweje added that security at the facility and the work done by social workers has been commendable. She said, “They have all been working seven days per week to ensure that all of the residents here remain safe and comfortable during the lockdown period.”

She added that there have also been several community volunteers who have helped out at the facility, like many City workers who have helped out with cooking and cleaning. The homeless folk that stay there also contribute to cooking, cleaning and a variety of other activities, such as growing fruit and vegetables to sustain themselves and develop skills.

“It should be noted that the shelter has not been established as a comfortable place for the homeless or the addicted, but a place that works as a stepping stone. A person will come here if they want help. It helps the homeless reunite with their families as quickly as possible, it helps drug addicts find the help they need, and it helps to integrate all back into society,” she continued. Weweje extended her thanks to the community at large.

“I also personally want to thank our Region B councillors for all of their efforts. Excess goods have been given to us from the generous donations given to their communities. Any excess goods given to us have also been given to other shelters that need them,” she said.

Weweje said that the centre aimed to continue after the lockdown has ended. Those in need of shelter or assistance with food parcels are welcome to contact the Linden CPF for assistance.

Details: lockdown@lindensaps.co.za or WhatsApp 065 957 5996.