A Kalkfontein couple, living in a one-bedroom RDP house, has spent R20 000 on extending their home to make room for abandoned kids and homeless adults.
Esme Julies, 49, who runs the Helping Hands NGO, says she has been feeding around 100 hungry people every day from the small gate at the back of her house for the past five years.
The mom of two says with donations drying up, it’s become difficult keeping up with the demand.
“I have been doing this out of the goodness of my heart and my own pocket since before the start of lockdown,” she says.
“However, we pressed on and worked hard to feed the people.
“I sell shoes until month end just to bring in money to buy food and vegetables for the pot to feed the hungry, but people who usually give have also fallen on tough times and don't support as much, making it harder with each feed.
“I'm also a trauma volunteer for abandoned and abused women. I'm a motivational speaker and help primary school kids with homework and keep them safe at my place where they watch movies and play.”
Esme now opened her home for the homeless and even though she is struggling, she isn't willing to put them back on the streets.
In June, she and her husband completed a large wooden structure which has been made into 10 small rooms to accommodate 12 destitute people.
She says: “We bought the material ourselves over time, and received some wood from here and there, but we don’t really approach sponsors.”
Chantal Spogter arrived five months pregnant at Esme’s home and gave birth in the house on 18 February.
“I live here with my baby and my three-year-old boy and I appreciate what sister Esme did for us,” she says.
“We were living on the streets but because of her, we have shelter and a safe place to live. Our lives have changed for the better, we are just grateful, no words that can describe it.”
To assist Helping Hands, call Esme on 081 554 2163.