One of the challenges when trying to make a difference to homelessness in our area is that often we only become aware of people sleeping rough when it is late at night or early morning when field workers are not usually available. In addition it is not always safe for field workers to work on their own at night. Last week DPVO arranged for Rudie Basson, Thomas Williams and Thabo Koti from Streetscapes to do a night-time walkabout with DPVwatch patrollers Chris Tworeck and Werner Schulz. Thorsten Klingelhoeffer from our neighbours, TBKwatch, joined us.
The Streetscapes team engaged with several people on Upper Buitenkant Street and under the Mill Street bridge, before the rains came down. It was a fruitful evening for everyone and we aim to facilitate more walkabouts at night in the future. We hope in this way to reach more people who might be ready to move off the street, but need a hand to do so.
While the team works in our area on Fridays on a regular basis, they will try to respond quickly to specific requests for an intervention. They are also equipped to remove needles safely for disposal. DPV residents can email info@dpvoutreach.org.za if they would like the team to pick up needles in a particular area or to engage with a homeless person.
