Masks, soap for the homeless

LIMBA MUPETAMI WINDHOEK During this time of uncertainty, many Namibians have been unable to make a living or have experienced the pain of being homeless long before the coronavirus hit our shores. As a result, they cannot buy the things they need to stay safe from the deadly virus. Recently, Arba Stature, a multi-disciplinary and social impact company, donated 182 masks and soap to homeless people living at the Khomasdal Stadium as well as those living in tents at the Katutura Youth Complex. One of the co-owners of the business, Lindiwe Jacobs said the reason for the donation was to help curb the spread of the virus in Namibia. Inclusivity 'We need to be inclusive of everyone from all corners of Namibia. The masks, which were made by Namibian designer Melisa Poulton, are not guaranteed to prevent the virus, but will play a pivotal role in reducing the spread. The soap will then help them to wash the mask as it is reusable,' Jacobs said. Another batch She mentioned that another batch of masks will be distributed in a few weeks' time, but added they need help from the community in the form of old T-shirts and bedsheets, which Poulton will use to make the masks. This batch will be delivered to designated points in grassroots communities in Windhoek by pioneer ride-sharing company, LEFA Namibia. #CoverNamibia “Using social media and user-generated content, we will share short videos in all local languages, urging the general public to join the movement to #CoverNamibia and the faces of the underprivileged communities,” Jacobs said. She urged corporates and individuals to aid this initiative by donating a bottle of Dettol or soap, which recipients can use to wash their masks and hands. Other opportunities include covering the costs of mask production. Supporting measure “The masks are solely to assist communities in containing the spread of the virus, and are to be seen as a supporting measure to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines of handwashing and social distancing. “The masks have not undergone any clinical tests and should not be mistaken as a guaranteed prevention method for Covid-19, but rather as support,” Jacobs emphasised. Look after us One of the recipients of the donation, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the restriction of movement, which ended recently, has made it very difficult for homeless people to find food or soap. He however expressed happiness with the items they received and urged government to look after them, as many of them have been disowned by their families. 'We depend on handouts from Good Samaritans. Winter is approaching and I don't even have shoes or a warm winter jacket,' he said. For more information or to make a donation, contact Jacobs at 081 807 9685.

Masks, soap for the homeless

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

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Masks, soap for the homeless

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

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