Johannesburg Organisation of Service to the Homeless (JOSH) and Jerseys 4 Jozi, another social enterprise, hosted an event at the Christ Church in Blairgowrie. The event was hosted to observe World Homeless Day. Tea and coffee were served upon arrival. Soup and bread were served to attendees during the event.
Candles were lit for the homeless who have died on the streets due to Covid-19 and other causes. At the event, posters were made to urge the City of Johannesburg to lease empty buildings identified by JOSH to the NPC and NPO. The homeless were able to share their stories with one another. Some had been placed in temporary shelters and shared how this had turned their lives around. After more than 20 years on the streets, one of the attendees was reunited with his family, got work and found a place to stay.
A group of 1st Peter Place Scouts erected a temporary shower, a place for the homeless to wash their clothes and a washing line. Jerseys 4 Jozi works together with JOSH providing social work services.
Jerseys 4 Jozi distributes warm hoodies in winter to homeless people in Joburg. This allows them to initiate contact and build relationships. They are funded through the sale and sponsorship of their hoodies. Their funds are then used to enrol beneficiaries into skills development programmes with the goal of employment and off the streets – making sustainable differences in the lives of individuals.
JOSH hopes to soon be back at its office on Bram Fisher Drive.
Details: Mary Gillett-de Klerk 011 886 0025; ceo.joburghomeless@gmail.com
