The HOPE House, a small but vital residential care facility in Palmview, Phoenix, in Durban, is sending out an urgent plea to the community and local businesses for financial and material support.
The goal is to complete crucial safety and comfort upgrades for its six elderly residents.
The home offers a safe haven for women aged 65 to 89, many of whom have endured difficult lives and are now finding dignity and companionship under one roof.
However, the facility, which opened its doors to residents six months ago after a two-year renovation, still has some critical needs.
Renal Maistry, the chairperson and driving force behind The HOPE House, explained the pressing need for assistance.
“In terms of security, we need to keep the house safe for these women,” Maistry said, highlighting the vulnerability of the residents. “We have the basic stuff, which is just normal fencing with barbed wire, but we desperately need burglar guards and CCTV cameras so that we can monitor them at night.”
Safety is not the only concern; comfort is also a priority, she said. “We need an awning in the back because it’s getting hot and they need a shaded area to sit outside,” Maistry added.
The wishlist extends to essential household items, including a fridge, freezer, microwave, and kettle, along with the completion of paving and a much-needed coat of paint for the facility.
The HOPE House operates out of a three-bedroom house, with two women sharing each room.
Maistry highlighted the positive changes she has witnessed in the women since their arrival.
“They are much happier with us than they were with their families because most of them come from very difficult lives. They are doing much better emotionally, mentally, and physically,” she stated.
The environment at The HOPE House is focused on holistic wellbeing, with Maistry and her team actively engaging the residents, encouraging a sense of purpose and community.
“We are learning new things. I’ve got some ladies coming in teaching them how to knit and sew because they’re all elderly women. Now they are learning how to make hand chains with beads. They are trying to create some kind of income. So, we’re getting them involved in all of that, and things are going very well. They are enjoying the place,” she said.
Physical fitness is also incorporated into their routine, according to Maistry.
“We take them to the gym to keep them fit during the day; they go for walks, but that’s under supervision,” she explained, referring to a nearby outdoor gym.
IFP Councillor Jonathan Annipen has thrown his support behind the appeal, calling on local stakeholders to assist.
“The HOPE House plays an important role in caring for elderly women with dignity and compassion. I encourage businesses, organisations, and individuals who are in a position to assist to come on board. By working together, we can ensure that these women live in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment,” Annipen stated.
Maistry stressed that these vulnerable women deserve the best possible environment in their twilight years.
“These women have been through a lot,” she said, adding that they deserve to spend the rest of their lives in a safe, comfortable environment and any assistance from the public would help achieve this.
The HOPE House is seeking assistance in the form of financial donations, in-kind support, or professional services to cover the cost of the upgrades.
Members of the public who wish to make a contribution or offer support are encouraged to contact Maistry on 069 453 0984 or via WhatsApp on 076 238 2708.
“The HOPE House remains committed to ensuring elderly women are protected, valued, and cared for with dignity.”
