Hope for more shelter for the homeless
DUNKELD – The Rosebank Homeless Association AGM highlighted the need for employment opportunities and more shelters for the homeless.
The Rosebank Homeless Association (RHA) held their annual general meeting (AGM) on 10 July at St Martin’s Church in Dunkeld.
The association chairperson, Judith Briggs said the 18-year-old association continues to assist those in need and still works in close association with the churches, South African Police Service, Rosebank Management District and most importantly the community of Rosebank.
Briggs said, “We are looking to help more people to upskill themselves, and have this year been able to assist a few more people to progress in one way or another. Others have been helped to obtain copies of important documents, or to return home permanently.”
She briefed everyone about the various projects which include the Zinto Zinhle Sewing Project. Several women are trained there by Grace Sigasa and they make a variety of goods that are sold at various churches. Briggs also spoke briefly about Bokamoso which sponsors young children of the displaced in crèches and is chaired by Tessa Weakley.
Immaculata Shelter project supervisor, Mike Ntuli said they strive to make sure all people at the shelter have a meal and Mpumi Ngwenya is always in touch with them for CV assistance to enable members to support families back home.
“About 520 people are benefiting from the clothes and toiletries programme. We also encourage more people to attend our computer skills programme which is open to both our association as well as community members,” Ntuli said.
Ward 117 Tim Truluck shared some exciting upcoming projects in Rosebank and said the City of Johannesburg’s buy-in will be needed for their success. The projects include two new parks, a new clinic and a library which will be more of a resource centre with access to the internet among other facilities. “We will have input on how all these things are developed. We will look at how it all fits together and how we can make it work according to our needs,” Truluck explained.
The chairperson also expressed her gratitude towards various individual donations as well as one from the Javett Foundation. Briggs said there is support from the community who continue to donate goods to the collection box in Rosebank Mall and also financial support from the Rosebank Management District.
Briggs said, “There are indeed challenges ahead, not least that of providing shelter for those most in need. The Immaculata Shelter runs at capacity, especially during the winter months and it would be wonderful if there was somewhere else to shelter those in need. There are various moves afoot to provide more shelter accommodation, and I trust that new shelters will open in other areas within the next few months.”
Details: Rosebank Homeless Association 011 447 3501.
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