The Gauteng provincial government has committed to using existing school infrastructure to shelter the homeless during the lockdown period.
King Edward VII School (Kes) and Parktown Boys’ High School are among the 30 school venues to house these displaced people.
The department has also identified several Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) who will assist with the provision of shelter for the homeless.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, through its temporary relief programme, will extend the provision of food parcels to learners on the food nutrition programme. Beneficiaries will be given a once-off food parcel catering for the full month.
Through this programme, food will also be provided to shelters and home-based sick and weak people. Provision will also be made to people who normally receive food from soup kitchens.
Dignity packs (including toiletries such as sanitary towels, toothpaste, roll-on, soap and washing rags) will also continue to be distributed to indigent learners. During this period, additional provision of hand sanitisers, gloves and masks will be made.
In a statement from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, it said that existing distribution channels will be explored while schools will also be approached to assist. Beneficiaries will only collect and feeding will not take place in schools.
The department appeals to citizens and companies to donate food and toiletries, particularly hand sanitisers, during these trying times.
Thirty shelters for abused women will also be activated to assist women who may be affected by domestic violence during the lockdown. At these places of safety, the department assures residents that these women will be provided with the necessary support.
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