KNYSNA NEWS - A growing community effort is under way in Knysna to establish a dedicated children's home for vulnerable youngsters who currently have nowhere safe to go - a crisis so severe that some children are spending months in hospital beds simply because no alternative care is available.
The initiative, known as Eden House, aims to create a place of safety and stability for children who have experienced abandonment, neglect or abuse.
Urgent need
According to the organisers, the need has become increasingly urgent.
"Children are sometimes kept in hospital for months - not because they still need medical care, but because there is nowhere safe for them to go," said Dr Andries Brink, medical manager for the Knysna/Bitou district.
"In some cases, up to six months. That means a hospital bed becomes a holding place, not for treatment, but due to the lack of a home."
The situation is particularly concerning for toddlers leaving the care of Thando House, which provides care for vulnerable babies up to the age of two.
Thando House director Sonett Mather said there are currently too few safe placements available once children reach that age.
"Our deepest concern is that, without a suitable placement, they may be returned to the environments where they previously experienced abandonment or abuse," she said.
Fundraising
Eden House hopes to bridge that gap by creating a child and youth care centre (CYCC) where children can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
Momentum behind the project has started building in recent months, with community members making the first donations towards the initiative, including its first recurring monthly contribution.
Organisers say the support is encouraging because it reflects long-term community buy-in rather than one-off charity.
Although fundraising remains a major challenge, progress is being made behind the scenes. Volunteer architect Eben Marais is currently redesigning plans for the proposed Concordia property to ensure the space is practical, secure and suited to the needs of vulnerable children.
The project's property capital fund has now reached R2 036 000. However, organisers estimate that approximately R4.8m will ultimately be needed to purchase, secure and prepare the property for operation as a registered CYCC.
This amount includes the purchase price, transfer costs, security fencing, maintenance work and reconfiguration of the property.
Public benefit status
The organisation has also applied for Section 18A public benefit status, which would allow donors to contribute in a tax-efficient manner once approved by Sars.
In the meantime, Eden House appeals to the broader community for assistance - whether through financial contributions, fundraising expertise, construction materials, volunteer support or simply helping to spread awareness.
Organisers say every contribution, no matter how small, brings them one step closer to opening the doors to children who desperately need a safe place to call home.
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