Page 49 - SDG Report

ESTABLISHMENT OF COVID 19 EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTERS
A total of 12 homeless shelters were established in the city and managed in accordance with the required protocols as outlined in terms of Disaster Management Act, 2002 and regulations. This included the following measures:
• Identify buildings and open spaces which could be repurposed as lockdown shelters where homeless people can be accommodated during the lockdown.
• Identify NGOs that will support the City in its endeavor to coordinate and manage the emergency shelters for the homeless; and,
• Provide all health and safety needs that meets the required standards in all identified emergency shelters as espoused in the various legislation, inter alia, Disaster Management Act, 2002.
HARM REDUCTION MANAGEMENT
The drug management programme was introduced to the homeless who were struggling with drug withdrawal symptoms. This was entirely run by private sector medical practitioners, medical NGOs and the Durban University of Technology who operate strictly in accordance with DOH and WHO protocols, and with the approval of the National Dept of Health. Some homeless persons have been able to maintain sobriety without any form of treatment. Those who opted to participate in the programme are provided with opioid substitute, Methadone, to assist with moderate or severe withdrawal. Many have now progressed to reduced dosages and are now leading a normal life.
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES: PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
• Gender Based Violence Awareness Programmes
Gender based violence prevention programmes undertaken during the lockdown involved the Rapid Assessment which was conducted amongst the men who were residing in shelters. This was followed by the dialogues and awareness programmes which identified the critical role that could be played by men to reduce the scourge of gender-based violence in communities.
• Reunification and Referral Services
More than 100 homeless people had been successfully reunited with their families through social work interventions which commenced at the time when the country moved from Level 5 to Level 4. Some families had been looking for their family members over the years without success but during this period people were able to connect and engage social workers which opened opportunities for some to return home.
• Support Groups, Individual and Group Counselling Sessions
Several support groups and counselling sessions were conducted in shelters to assist the homeless to deal with issues such as drug abuse, conflict resolution and conflict management and self - awareness which was aimed at helping them deal with self-esteem and mental health issues.
SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMMES
Various skills programmes were introduced to the homeless in order to provide them with opportunities that would improve their employability. Such skills included plumbing, upholstery, sound engineering, gardening, sewing, computer literacy, electrical, first aid, pottery and performing arts.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS GOOD PRACTICE 47