As the number of unemployed and displaced men in the metro increases, local support shelter, Open Hands attempts to provide a safe space for men in need.
Open Hands offers safe accommodation, meals, access to counselling and other support services for men who are in need and helps men find their feet after difficult circumstances to enable their transition back into society.
Since the shelter opened, they have helped dozens of men secure employment and work through trauma and abuse.
On December 10, the GO!&Express and Checkers Balfour Park were able to supply to a few of the outstanding needs at the shelter, including a much needed microwave, toiletries and food.
Trevor Willard, founder of Open Hands said, “Over Christmas there were big increases in homeless men and male abuse.
“It is scary to think as the country where this is going, as I do not know where those who need it will go to seek help.
“Open Hands gets no government help at all.
“We have applied but we are always told there are no funds.
“This will not stop us from providing our help to the public.
“Open Hands support centre does not deal in drug rehab.
“We deal with men who have experienced domestic abuse, work abuse or friendship abuse, homelessness and trauma.
“We try our best to provide all the support needed for those people.”
In 2023, Open Hands hopes to raise enough funds to purchase the house they are currently using as a safe house and conduct renovations, as well as establishing a prefab classroom in the yard that will be used for skills development classes and a gym for physical exercise.
The centre would appreciate any donations including office chairs, single-bed mattresses, transport, food and laptops for outreach work.
