Covid-19: Housing Knysna's homeless

KNYSNA NEWS - When the bell tolled on Friday 27 March at 00:00, marking the start of the lockdown, those with houses could sleep a little easier knowing they had a roof over their heads and four walls around them to help keep the Covid-19 virus out and themselves in.

The homeless people scattered around Knysna, however, did not have that option, being out in the open, vulnerable to a virus pandemic that some didn't even know about.

"I didn't know what it was, at all. I only found out about the virus when they came to fetch us and move us, but now I know enough," said Henry McCallum, one of Knysna's 85 street people who have in the meantime been moved to and temporarily housed at Loerie Park Sports Grounds. The relocation of these people came as part of Knysna Municipality's initiative to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.

Municipal law enforcement began picking up homeless people from all around Knysna last week Friday, the first day of the lockdown, and continued to do so through the weekend, with more still being brought to Loerie Park on Monday 30 March. According to the municipality's Christopher Bezuidenhout, the park was chosen because it is fitted with showers and ablution facilities.

The municipality pitched tents on the patch of grass behind the main pavilion, while also housing people in Loerie Park's main clubhouse as well as the Knysna Tennis Club clubhouse.

Each of the six tents houses about five people, and women have been assigned the main clubhouse. Some individuals relocated to Loerie Park remain grateful for the facilities, but just wish there was more food available.

"We get portions of food in the mornings and the evenings, but sometimes it's just not enough to fill us up," said Dan Damés, one of the new residents at Loerie Park. "Any kind of food that people can donate, will help us so much." Another, Johnny Veldtman, echoed Damés' sentiments. "We are grateful, but sometimes we feel restricted because we cannot leave unless it is to go the shops or to go and fetch the possessions we left behind when we moved here," he said.

The residents tend to bide their time during the day by wandering around Loerie Park, lounging in the shade or sun, reading books, socialising and playing cards.

With the lockdown set to continue until 17 April, if you are in any way able to contribute to the homeless in the form of donations, you can contact Lizel Baatjies on 060 998 7106 to make arrangements for collection.

Key items the municipality has identified are fruit, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, paper cups, plates, bowls, empty spray bottles (for hand sanitiser), pillows and sheets.

Homeless people at Loerie Park bide their time on Sunday.