CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15, 2017: A view of a homeless woman in her makeshift home watching the march after about 2 000 Imizamo Yethu residents marched on August 15, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Residents will march through Cape Town from Keizersgracht to the Civic Centre in an attempt to demand basic services and to put an end to “superblocking” in the fire-hit township. (Photo by Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
The city’s homeless winter hardships: Here’s how to show you care
Helping the city’s homeless this winter.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15, 2017: A view of a homeless woman in her makeshift home watching the march after about 2 000 Imizamo Yethu residents marched on August 15, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Residents will march through Cape Town from Keizersgracht to the Civic Centre in an attempt to demand basic services and to put an end to “superblocking” in the fire-hit township. (Photo by Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
The bitter chill of winter is especially cruel to the homeless. With heavy rains and even snow predicted for the outlying areas of Cape Town, the Central City Improvement District (CCID) has offered some advice on how to lessen the burden in showing kindness to people living on the streets.
In the four-page supplement called Tough Times, in the CCID’s quarterly newspaper, City Views, the organization lists ways in which ordinary Capetonians can help warm the lives of the city’s homeless.
Although this list is compiled by a Cape Town organisation, the basic principles of kindness, respect and volunteering can be applied to major cities nationwide.
Pat Eddy, manager of CCID Social Development says:
“When looking at the difficulties facing homeless people especially in winter, it’s easy for members of the public to get overwhelmed.”
Eddy maintains that members of the public wishing to help the homeless need not have heaps of money, saying:
“There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness – every act creates a ripple effect.”
The CCID social development manager went on to list a few ways in which the public can help – assistance which doesn’t cost anything but a bit of time and kindness.
Ways in which to show kindness to the City’s homeless this winter
Making donations
The CCID welcomes donations of monetary contributions, clothing, food and toiletries. These goods are distributed to the various affiliated Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) assisting the homeless. Remember, every little bit helps.
Volunteer your time
NGO’s assisting people living on the street usually have limited resources and depend on volunteers to give them a hand. There are various organisations that serve meals to the homeless in all major cities – make contact and give some of your time to help those most in need.
Treat homeless people with dignity
The most important aspect of caring is empathy which enforces dignity. Be respectful and kind to those suffering under already tremendous hardships. To be further marginalised through public contempt is a huge psychological blow for people living on the street.
Eddy remarks:
“It’s important that we treat others as we wish to be treated and this applies to our homeless population who sometimes aren’t treated with respect and dignity. A simple hello goes a long way in acknowledging someone’s humanity,”
