The town of Makahdo (Louis Trichardt) never had a safe haven for the homeless and unemployed to go to when they were feeling run down and tired.

However, all of this about to change with the new “drop-in and night shelter” which opened on Friday, September 8. The shelter is situated in the old Brenner Mills next to the railway station in Vorster Street.

The shelter was officially opened and blessed by Father Frank Gallagher, the local catholic priest and a member of the MSC or Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

According to Mrs Veronica Nemutandani, a social worker from Makhado Social Development, the initiative has her full support. She added that a shelter like this is long overdue.

Mrs Nemutandi said that members from churches, communities and government should get involved to ensure that those who need the service the most can be assisted. She said that, although some people might try and take advantaged of the service, both the police and social workers will have to play a key role in this regard.

Father Gallagher told the Zoutpansberger that the shelter will aim to bring hope to the hopeless and a safe place to rest for those feeling tired. The night shelter consists of a women’s division and a men’s division where a maximum of ten people are able to rest and sleep. However, because there are so many in need, the homeless will only be able to sleep there for a total of two nights at a time.

In the reception area there will always be tea, cool drinks and biscuits served to the unemployed and homeless. The shelter will also have a bathroom, allowing for the needy to either use the shower or toilet. Meals will only be available when members of the community and charity organisations bring food to the drop-in centre. The night shelter will always have someone supervising throughout the night and those who are in need of rest can do so in safety.

The beds provided by the shelter offer a high degree of comfort and hopefully give the needy more energy for the next day. The supervisors are mostly volunteers from the Catholic Church, but Father Gallagher made it clear that if people are unable to help with donations, they are most welcome to offer some of their spare time. Funding for the shelter will be mostly from overseas, but local businesses can provide a steady income and growth, making it possible to do so much more for the needy.

Father Gallagher also provides assistance, whenever there is a need to talk to someone. He said he would listen sympathetically to the problems and needs of any person.

Having lived in South Africa for the past 17 years, the country is now home to Father Gallagher. Another project he is currently working on is the development of a youth centre. The youth centre will be situated next to the night shelter and will, amongst others, present workshops to the youth. The workshops will mostly be aimed at helping the youth cope with everyday life and the challenges they face. They will also be educated in life and how to make good choices, giving them a deeper understanding about themselves. Father Gallagher said that this project can only go forward when the youth come to him as he wants the youth to renovate the place, making it their own.

For more information, donations or any kind of help, Father Gallagher can be contacted at Tel 082 664 1393 or at (015) 516 2727 or 516 0566.