Western Cape Premier Alan Winde visited the brand new Mould Empower Serve (MES) Centre of Hope for the homeless in Parow recently, where he was able to view first-hand the services offered by the non-profit organisation.
Winde was accompanied by provincial minister of social development, Sharna Fernandez.
The centre, located at 110 Alexandra Street in Parow, was officially opened on Monday 10 October – on World Homeless Day. The centre is said to be a first of a kind and is led by Ilse Maartens, the branch manager for MES Cape Town.
“Our goal at MES is to make the services that people need to get back on their feet, accessible,” said Anelle Erasmus, marketing manager.
The centre can provide shelter to 40 men and 20 women.
More than just a shelter
“It’s not just about giving someone a meal and a place to sleep. We are here to remind them about the dreams they once had for their lives. We are their helping hand in rekindling those dreams and taking the steps to living a constructive life as a reintegrated member of society,” Erasmus added.
On the walkabout, the MES team was able to showcase the facilities at the centre to the premier and minister. These include men and women shelter and shower facilities, as well as social work meeting rooms, workshop and training facilities and a sewing room.
Premier praises work done
Winde described the facility as an encouraging public-private partnership, one that involved the provincial social development department.
“Homelessness is a complex issue which needs a host of interventions and collaborations to help this vulnerable group of people. By refurbishing the building, MES has stepped up to partner with the Western Cape government to help address this issue. The Centre of Hope is an amazing facility that goes beyond only offering temporary shelter to homeless people,” Winde said.
The premier and minister visited the centre on Tuesday 25 October.
Apart from Cape Town, MES also has offices in Johannesburg, Kempton Park and Gqeberha.
