Helping the homeless: Making a difference one bite at a time

Musawenkosi Moyo
In a heart-warming initiative, a group of individuals in Bulawayo has started a group known as “Helping the Homeless” to assist the most neglected people in our communities.

Samkeliso Mavundla (31) the founder of the group in an interview said they aim to support those neglected by society, recognising that homelessness can lead to bitterness, crime, and mental struggles such as depression and suicide.

“Our mission is to spread kindness, alleviate suffering and create a world where people feel love and compassion for one another,” he said.

The group which started its operations last year on 31 July conducts Sunday meals every week at 9th Avenue and George Silundika in the Bulawayo city centre.

“It is always the little things that create the biggest impact in people’s lives which is why I believe providing basic needs like food while also providing emotional support can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Mavundla.

The group has also donated clothes to the homeless in Ngozi Mine and patients at Ingutsheni Central Hospital. They have also bought groceries for vulnerable families and purchased school uniforms and accessories for school children.

Mavundla said their goal is to establish a network of shelters and drop-in centres in order to provide shelter, food and clothes for those without a home.

He also said that with enough funding he wishes to facilitate reconciliation by helping the homeless reconnect with their family members which can bring them healing and support.

Mavundla said that the biggest challenge they have is funding as they rely on their pocket money and a few donations which is not always enough considering that they are growing each day.

“Funding is becoming a strain day by day; we started serving 10 people now we have an average of 100.

“ The number keeps growing the only source of sponsorship is that of our own,” he said.

He further urged people to not be ignorant of the struggles that people face, especially those without family and friends to support them.

“There are many people living on the streets today and they need our support which is why I ask that people show the spirit of ubuntu towards them,” he said.