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JAISON Kaunda, 44, who was homeless for 12 years, has set up a foundation to house others in the same situation.
The foundation, which also aims to tackle drug and substance abuse among the homeless, will launch under the slogan ‘From Despair To Hope In Fighting Against Drug And Substance Abuse’ on May 13.
Former CAPS United president, Twine Phiri, who helped Kaunda after he gave up drugs, is the foundation’s patron.
Kaunda, who spent 12 years as a homeless man wandering at the Harare Gardens, also aims to set up an orphanage in the future.
He said the move to set up a foundation was inspired by the rate at which people living on the streets were dying every month due to drug and substance abuse.
He said life on the streets was not good for anybody.
“I would like to thank former CAPS United president, Twine Phiri, for removing me from the streets and giving me a home and helping me with my vision.
“I was just like the people living on the streets and I used to sniff glue, take mutoriro and other substances you can think of.
“But, this year, I managed to quit drugs and substance abuse and Mr Phiri took me into his own home,” said Kaunda.
He said after his rehabilitation, Phiri asked him what he wanted to do in life.
“I thought of where I called home for the past 12 years and told him I wanted to launch a foundation to help the homeless.
“It will be launched at the Harare Gardens, as it was my home and I still have friends at that place who need help.
“I am appealing for help to make my dream of removing many people from the streets a reality.
“Currently, I am being supported by Twin Con Holdings and Twin Sports Academy in my endeavour.”
Kaunda said he started living on the streets after facing hardships in life.
“When I came to Harare from Mvurwi, I thought life was going to be easier, but I found the going tough.
“I then decided to go into the streets, where I lived for 12 years until January this year,” he said.
Online Reporter