Carol Mentor, chairperson of the Local Network of Care and Ward 116 committee member
The Local Network of Care is a basket of services working with homeless people, integrating them into society and referring them to services to help them. We work under the City of Cape Town and the Department of Social Development as well as working in Ward 116 (“Access to wash trailer for homeless,” Plainsman April 24).
Meeting with Nina Manzi on Thursday April 18 was overwhelming. The wash trailer was made possible by non-profit organisation Viva con Agua South Africa. We are so humbled for this organisation to come on board, making sure that homeless people who've been marginalised and struggle with substance abuse are cared for.
There is a whole dynamic that leaves street people homeless. There are basic rights such as having a bath and access to water. They are human and need all the help they can get.
We want to salute Nina Manzi for this initiative. This will strengthen us as a body of organisations so that we can continue to help people.
They are homeless but not powerless. We must give back their dignity. Cleanliness is next to godliness. We are happy to help those in need. We will continue to help those in need.