A former convict who has dedicated his life to assisting recovering drug addicts and bandiete now needs help himself after his halfway house burnt down.
Rashaad Allen, 48, from Parkwood, established the Foundation for Positive Change six years ago and has been accommodating men as they try to reintegrate into society.
Over the years, he has rehabilitated drug addicts, parolees and those trying to escape gangsterism.
Last week, the halfway house in Kestrel Way burnt down, apparently due to an electrical short, and a despondent Rashaad, who has been funding the organisation out of his own pocket, says they urgently need help to rebuild.
“On Tuesday just before 2pm, I got a call from the manager of the house while I was at work and he told me about the fire,” he says.
“It took me about 35 minutes to get there and when I did, firefighters, with three fire trucks, were still trying to contain the fire,” he says.
The halfway house in Kestrel Way burnt down, apparently due to an electrical short. Picture supplied
The halfway house was home to 18 men aged 21 to 72-years-old and Rashaad says the men have been left with only the clothes on their backs.
“The fire chief came to me and said the cause of the fire was an electrical fault. We lost everything,” he says with tears in his eyes.
“The sleeping quarters and dining area burnt. We lost 18 beds, cupboards, electrical appliances, clothes, everything.
“Some of these men have been living here for over five years.
“All these guys are now looking at me for direction because they have nowhere else to go.”
He says he has managed to find temporary accommodation for 10 men so far.
“The office space has been converted into a living space for the rest but it’s cramped. Some of the men are at my home too,” Rashaad says.
“The guys need to be fed. We need beds, bedding, pillows, clothes, toiletries, socks, underwear, footwear, all our electrical appliances also burned.”
If you would like to assist, call Rashaad on 076 467 4912 or drop off items at the office in Kestrel Way, next to the doctor’s surgery.