Four-step strategy to tackle homelessness in George

A holistic and co-operative approach involving all key government departments and NPOs could see George's homelessness situation all but resolved within three years.

- Jacqueline Herbst

This according to the Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless in George's (Cremhog) general manager, André Olivier, who has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to reintegrating homeless people back into society.

He estimates there to be between 150 and 200 homeless people in George - a drop in the ocean compared with Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, where the estimated count ranges between 14 000 and 20 000.

Olivier outlines a four-prong approach. The first element, he says, is early intervention. He said the Department of Social Development should appoint a dedicated social worker to rapidly intervene when people first become homeless.

The second step would be to establish safe spaces similar to those implemented by the City of Cape Town to address the shortage of shelter space. According to the City of Cape Town's website, it has five safe spaces that provide basic overnight accommodation, access to ablution facilities and secure storage lockers for personal belongings. Each person also receives an wellness pack containing hygiene essentials as well as a refreshment pack containing sugar, milk, coffee and tea. Olivier said establishing similar safe spaces in George would eliminate the need for homeless people to camp out on Morris and other so-called 'problem streets'.