by KRISTIN ENGEL
Cape Town - A new service centre for the homeless has opened in Muizenberg in response to the massive increase in people suffering from homelessness since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The centre was opened by the Muizenberg Improvement District (MID) in partnership with NPO U-Turn.
MID chairperson Peter Corbett said Muizenberg has always been an attractive destination for the homeless because of the positive attitude of its residents.
However, they’ve noticed an influx of homeless people since the pandemic, with Covid-19 thrusting even more people into poverty and onto the streets.
“MID had been in talks with U-Turn for quite some time about starting a drop-in centre for people experiencing homelessness in and around Muizenberg, and with the increasing need, the new centre was able to come to full fruition two weeks ago,” said Corbett.
The new centre is seeing 20 people a day and is supporting them by serving two meals a day and supplying clothing by way of the U-Turn voucher system.
The centre also offers a voluntary rehabilitation programme that equips people with work skills and provides drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation, to help overcome homelessness.
One of the centre’s beneficiaries, Mushfique Gasant, 25, a long-time resident of Muizenberg, has been on the streets for more than a decade and over time started using drugs.
However, after attending sessions and receiving services at the new U-Turn Service Centre, Mushfique has a renewed sense of hope.
“I want to be a person who is independent. I am going to stand on my own.”
Corbett said the new centre marks a turning point in Muizenberg’s ability to sustainably assist vulnerable people in the area.
“We are confident that with continued support from MID, the local community and visitors, U-Turn will be able to help many more overcome homelessness.”
Cape Argus