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File: Homeless person’s belongings seen on pavement
Homeless shelters in Johannesburg are experiencing increased pressure as winter conditions set in, with more people seeking refuge from the cold.
Ikusasa Lethu Homeless Shelter says demand for its services has risen due to harsh weather, unemployment and ongoing economic challenges.
The shelter is currently housing more than 340 people, exceeding its funded capacity of 320.
Executive Director Joey Monane says the growing number of people seeking assistance is placing a strain on limited resources.
Monane says, “It’s not similar, like, when they are out on the street. Give them breakfast. Shelter representatives provide them lunch. We provide them with supper. Shelter representative, and then we also make sure that we reunite them with their families. We escort them to the clinics. Shelter representatives, we escort them to rehabilitation centres…”
“We’ve got relationships with, uh, rehabilitation centres. shelter representative and then when they come back from the rehabilitation centre, we—we would also have an aftercare program.”
Monane says funding shortages and rising homelessness are making it increasingly difficult for shelters to meet demand.
Heavy rain for Gauteng: SAWS
