GEORGE NEWS - In response to the latest complaints and concerns about homeless people in George, municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose said the municipality's mandate for law enforcement and social services is limited as the bulk of these functions falls under the police and the National Department of Social Development.
She said people living on the streets are not committing a crime and therefore cannot be arrested or moved without their consent.
In an effort to address the many factors associated with the homeless, the municipality in 2018 established a People Living on the Streets Committee (Plots) that meets monthly. It includes representatives from Community Services, the police, Kid Stop (focuses on street children), Cremhog and the national departments of social development, health, labour and home affairs.
"George Municipality invites people or organisations interested in getting involved in long-term and sustainable solutions to issues surrounding the homeless, vagrancy and illegal trading to come forward. They may contact Plots committee convener Estelle Fredericks," said Edwards-Klose.
Fredericks is available on 044 802 2000, ext 2015, during office hours.
Homeless register
Edwards-Klose said Community Services keeps a register of homeless people which was updated in October 2021. There is also a monthly outreach at night to identify new people or those who have returned to the streets after being reunited with family or society.
"The municipality issues vouchers to those who voluntarily want to go to the existing shelter. The provision of accommodation is however subject to the rules of the shelter and many such persons choose not to go, as they do not wish to adhere to the rules."
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There are currently two major points of assistance for the homeless in George, the George Night Shelter where people can stay on a permanent basis, and Cremhog (Christian Rehabilitation Ministry to the Homeless of George), that has for the past 14 years been reaching out to homeless people by providing food and clothes six days a week in St Mark's Square.
Cremhog's services will be expanded this year as they are planning to open a social rehabilitation centre by winter. According to manager André Olivier, their vision is to coordinate health, social, occupational and training services at the centre.
"Then we want to assist each person with an individualised plan to guide them to a lifestyle away from the street. Accommodation will be temporary and labour opportunities will be provided for exposure so as to enable residents to learn to sustain themselves again."
Only a limited number of people can be helped at a time.
100 bed spaces subsidised
Social Development Department spokesperson Esther Lewis said the department subsidises 100 bed spaces at the George Night Shelter, and has allocated two social worker posts to the shelter.
"Services offered here include individual counselling, case work, referral and support services. The social workers must also ensure a personal development plan is in place for each client and that it is reviewed regularly." Lewis said clients receive assistance to participate in skills development and life skills programmes.
"Reunification services with their families are also facilitated. It must be noted that clients must willingly go to the shelter."
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