The Kouga Homeless Shelter is moving forward with plans to build a shower facility outside director Pierre Cronje’s Jeffreys Bay home, as part of their mission to provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness in the area.
The non-profit company, which was registered in 2022 with directors Cronje, Dr Louis Meyer, and Raymond Brown, is currently gathering materials for the project.
“We still need a lot of material such as gas, pipes, fittings, cement, and a drainage system. We have corrugated iron, but there’s still much work to be done,” said Cronje.
Since the organisation does not yet have a shelter for people experiencing homelessness, he said that the planned shower facility represents part of a larger vision for the organisation.
“Our big dream is to establish a shelter with a shower, sleeping section, and offer a meal to people experiencing homelessness,” said Cronje.
Currently, his home serves as a central hub for the organisation’s daily operations.
Cronje said that through a partnership with Jeffreys Bay-based organisation, One Village, people experiencing homelessness can collect food from his premises using R5 tokens sold as coupons to those in need.
“At any time of the day, people can pick up food from my home using a R5 token,” said Cronje.
He said that the food distribution operates on weekdays, while Sundays feature an outreach programme where he hand-delivers food to people experiencing homelessness throughout Jeffreys Bay.
Cronje said that the organisation also assists with SASSA grant applications and identity document registration.
Despite working 12 to 14 hours daily, he dedicates more than 20% of his salary to funding the project, with assistance from his daughters, who help prepare and serve food.
Cronje said that he would be able to do so much more if he received regular donations.
He said that the organisation’s commitment to people experiencing homelessness extends beyond basic needs.
New Year’s Day saw the distribution of dignity bags for both men and women living on the streets, while during Easter this year, the organisation hosted a successful outreach distributing pickled fish and hot cross buns.
Their yearly Christmas lunches, featuring a delicious plate of food and pudding, began long before the organisation’s official registration.
“My heart is for the people, especially people who are lost and don’t know what to do,” said Cronje.
“All we do is by the grace of God.”
Cronje said that he hopes to acquire a second property to build a comprehensive shelter facility, recognising that the need for a shelter for people experiencing homelessness is great in the Kouga area.
He thanked all those who have donated to the organisation, including clothing, food and so much more.
“Without our donors, none of this would be possible,” said Cronje.
For more information or to donate towards the Kouga Homeless Shelter, contact Pierre Cronje at 060 399 8344.
