This house in Secunda will bring hope to street people

SECUNDA – House of Hope, a long-term shelter for homeless people, will soon open in Secunda.

This initiative of Lighthouse Church will help people living on the street to find their place back in the community and contribute to society.

Past Danie Ferreira and his wife, Jacomin, will run the shelter that will initially accommodate 12 men.

“We have already identified some of the soon to be residents of the shelter. It was important for us to see who really wants to get off the street, who wants to be involved the church’s programmes and truly wants to be helped,” said Past Derek Chester-Browne, chief pastor at Lighthouse Church.

The house in Frankfort Street is still partially under construction to accommodate these men, but will hopefully be completed by the end of November.

“House of Hope will not be an overnight shelter, but rather a home where the residents will remain between three and five years. We hope help them spiritually and physically to find their purpose in

Christ and to be integrated back into society,” said Past Ferreira.

This will be done by involving the men in life group activities and Lighthouse Church’s New Life programme where they will learn various skills such as working on a budget, community service and entrepreneurial skills to make and sell their own products.

The Ferreira couple and their three children, Daniel, Joshua and Isabella, relocated from Standerton to Secunda to head up this facility. They are excited about this new venture.

Past Ferreira grew up on a farm and is a keen gardener. He hopes to teach the new residents of 19 Frankfurt Street.

House of Hope will also be used as a distribution point for donations. Food, clothes, furniture, basically any donation is welcome and will be send out to someone in need.

They are currently also in need of building supplies. Donations can be dropped off at 19 Frankfurt Street on Monday from 3pm to 5pm. For more information, contact Past Ferreira at 061 566 5819