From Homelessness to Hope: Ex-homeless man feeds 540+ people monthly through Khomasdal Homeless Development Organisation

Having previously found himself on the streets after a divorce, today Charles Sawyers (55) helps feed over 540 homeless Namibians every month.

Sawyers says he turned to alcohol after the end of his marriage, which saw him sleeping rough under bridges and in riverbeds.

However, today he runs the Khomasdal Homeless Development Organisation (KHDO), which provides a warm meal to those struggling with substance abuse and homelessness.

Sawyers recently told The Namibian that he started the initiative because he had first-hand experience of the importance of a warm meal while living on the streets of Windhoek.

“I started the initiative because I know what it is like to be homeless myself. I know what it feels like to be rejected and not have a home,” he said.

After he found himself homeless, he said he often enjoyed a warm meal served by kind-hearted people who ran a soup kitchen.

However, when the initiative shut down, he was inspired to reach out to the Windhoek municipality to help others who found themselves in circumstances beyond their control, he added.

The non-profit organisation, based at the Khomasdal Community Hall, was started in 2016 and serves as a Bible teaching workshop and a rehabilitation centre.

Sawyers, who has been sober for 16 years, said the centre also serves those in the grip of alcohol and drug addiction.

He believes the homeless often turn to substance abuse to cope with the despair of not having a place to call home.

“KHDO’s wish is to uplift the living standards of individuals living on the streets,” he said.

Sawyers said KHDO works with social workers and councillors to help improve the lives of these vulnerable people.

The KHDO does not judge how people have come to find themselves on the streets, but endeavours to alleviate their problems with a simple but hearty meal, he added.

The centre operates on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, and survives through donations from good Samaritans.

Sawyers said there are several organisations offering support to homeless people.

He, however, called on the community to do what they can to uplift the spirits of the destitute during the festive season.

“Donating your time or talent to uplifting others can help someone. It’s not always about money,” he said.

Michael Gamaseb (30) has been coming to the centre for five years after struggling with addiction.

“I didn’t know that there was a place one could go for rehabilitation,” he said.

Gamaseb said the organisation not only feeds him in terms of food, but provides him with clothing and Bible study.

Pastor Freddy Brown of CRC Church said he has seen people improve their lives and go on to live healthy lives free from addiction.

“There is a chance for people to change their lives because they know there are people who care for them,” he said.

This act of care shows kindness and can help people help themselves.

Brown said the centre does not push its faith down the people’s throats, but tries to show kindness, patience and love, which the Bible teaches.

Veronica van Wyk (47), who also previously lived on the streets and now volunteers at the centre, said Sawyers’ kindness after she became homeless with her two-year-old child is the reason she volunteers at the centre.

“I don’t know how to repay the KHDO for helping me,” she said.