Hope of action for those without homes and jobs

“What a year this has been! Did any one of us foresee what lay ahead at the beginning of the year? Only those with a really magic crystal ball, I would say!” This is how the Rosebank Homeless Association (RHA) chairperson Judith Briggs summed up the year.

“If it has been difficult for us in our homes in the suburbs, how much more difficult has it been for those without homes. The fear and the problems brought about by the Covid-19 virus have meant that there has been even less help than usual for those in need.”

Briggs said many of the soup kitchens run by the churches in the areas closed during the severe lockdown and some have not yet reopened. Shelters too were unable to operate if they could not comply with the rules for quarantine and social distancing.

She said that what has, however, been encouraging is that the officials in the social welfare departments of both the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Province have seen the extent of the problems and have started to work towards greater assistance for homelessness. In as much as much more is needed, and action needs to follow good intentions– Briggs’s hope is that people will have been galvanised into action.

The chairperson said many of those looking for accommodation need other help – training of a practical kind, job opportunities, and documents. “For many, the greatest need is for an ID and without that very little can be achieved. Of course, there are other basic needs, such as clothing, especially for men, shoes too, and more homes, shelters with training facilities and people to assist in finding a new direction. Some people need help with addiction.”

The RHA is hoping to see more people in training, so that their skills can be enhanced and thus be better able to utilise any possible job opportunity that arises. “Our sewing project requires fabric, and also opportunities to display and sell the goods produced.

“We continue to receive generous contributions from the community through the Collection Box in the Rosebank Mall and would urge people not to forget to bring along the contents of that spring-cleaned cupboard! A heartfelt thank you goes to all those who have supported the needy in this way, and, of course, to Hyprop and the Rosebank Mall for helping us in so many ways.”

For the RHA, one highlight has been seeing the great efforts made by some few people to help by offering sandwiches and coffee at their gates and by the generous donations received from a few in the time of crisis.

Briggs concluded, “My hope is for generous hearts and minds, ready to help, and reach out to those in need, especially during this difficult time.”

Details: Rosebank Homeless Association briggsjudith@telkomsa.net; 011 447 3501.