Men’s shelter helps homeless back to their feet

Homelessness and drug addiction are a growing problem in Florida and its surrounding areas, and one that the staff at 1 Dan Street Shelter for Men is set on correcting one soul at a time.

The centre operates on the premise that homelessness is not necessarily the end of the road. It is merely an obstacle like any other, that with the correct help and support, can be overcome.

According to the manager of the shelter, Karabo Manaka, homelessness is a much more complex problem than people realise.

“There are essentially three types of homeless people,” he says. “There are those who are homeless due to mental incapacity, migrants and others who drift mostly after work opportunities, and those who temporarily lose their way,” he adds.

“We strive to help all of these people find their way out of homelessness by offering services aimed at helping them get back on their feet.”

The shelter is operated under the Department of Social Development and can house about 60 people at a time. It has around 120 people through its doors every year.

“Of course, there are those that we cannot help here,” adds Manaka. “For these people, we try and get the appropriate help.”

Once a new resident is taken in, he is assessed to ascertain the level of help that the person requires.

“Our social workers work closely with every resident to assess their needs and to ensure their inclusion in the relevant programmes.

“These programmes include counselling, skills development programmes, and help with job applications, among others.”

Manaka says that while a significant percentage of homelessness is caused by dependence on drugs, they are slowly seeing an improvement in the situation.

“Among the drug-related cases, we see mainly two groups, those that have temporarily fallen off the bus, and those that are simply too far gone to help.

“We help those who are willing to find their way to the relevant rehabilitation and re-integration programmes. This includes family reunification programmes.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing more people where the damage caused by the dangerous drugs they use, is irrevocable. We do see some success among this group, but it is rarer.”

Even so, Manaka says the centre boasts a 60% success rate.

“No one is here against their will,” he says. “Those that we help are people who have come to the realisation that they need help. They invest in their healing and they work the programme.”