Lending a helping hand to the homeless
2010-03-04
Lise Beyers
DAILY we see them, and daily we turn away and try and pretend that they do not exist. This is the general feeling towards homeless people in the Drakenstein area, but, says Jacques Heyns of Monte Christo Ministries, turning a blind eye is not going to make the problem disappear. It is estimated that there are as many as 2000 homeless people in the area, and at various times of the year this number increases. Now Heyns has tackled the bull by the horns and is endeavouring to bring all concerned parties together to try and make headway with the homeless problem. Heyns, a qualified panel-beater, has left his nine to five job and dedicated himself to the plight of the homeless. He even went so far as spending a month living with them on the streets of Cape Town, to establish first hand how it feels to be in their shoes. On his return to Paarl, he became involved with Monte Christo Ministries and started a project for the homeless. And so the Drakenstein Street Cleaning Project came about, in conjunction with the Toringkerk, and now homeless people are ‘employed’ to clean certain areas. Various businesses have bought into the project, using the Street Cleaning Project to clean their facilities. “The fundamental aim of the project is to give these people hope and dignity. We want to guide them in the right direction, to get their lives back and re-integrate them into society. “But this does not mean that we are just giving out hand-outs. Those who join the project must be team players and have a will to progress. “They must turn up for their duties on time, exercise their prescribed work ethics, and be disciplined in their work. “Another criteria is that they attend the homeless ministries at various churches.” Although there have been disappointments, there have been just as many heart-warming success stories. “One of these stories is that of Victoria Maneli. She is now only 18-years-old and has spent most of her life on the street. “Her biggest dream is to become a police officer, but she left school in Grade 10. “In June she became involved in the cleaning project and is a very hard worker, with already 40 shifts behind her name. “Last year we promoted her to foreman and she continues to set a great example to her fellow workers.Victoria still lives on the streets, but one day this will change.” Other people involved in this project have found permanent employment, after having cleaned sections of the Wellington industrial area. A farmer in Simondium has agreed to employ homeless people on his farm. “But our biggest dream is to establish a centre where we can offer a broad spectrum of facilities to the homeless, a place where they can have shelter for a certain period of time and where training and counselling can be administered.” Last week the first Full Circle Ministry meeting was held, which was attended by 35 concerned parties, many of whom work amongst the homeless. “Local churches, the ACVV and police, the departments of Social Development and Correctional Services attended. “We feel that it is important that all parties involved with the homeless must share ideas as to how we can together improve their lives once and for all.” Heyns can be contacted at 021-872-1179 or 083-872-2926 for more information about the project.
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