Hermanus Child and Family Services\u2019 (HCFS) goal is to help provide a safe haven for the vulnerable in society, innocent victims of domestic violence and other circumstances beyond their control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation finds this difficult as its offices in Mount Pleasant, adjacent to the Hermanus Night Shelter, have fallen prey to unscrupulous criminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David Duncan, HCFS general manager, said: \u201cWe have reached a crisis point as our office is under siege. Our fences are continually cut and our office building has been stripped of light fittings, taps and other plumbing. Damage to our infrastructure is on the increase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The garages adjacent to the office have also been plundered and one of the garage doors stolen. This has led to drug addicts gaining access to the garages and using it for illicit purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The police and a security company, said Duncan, have assisted in removing the trespassers \u201cbut they return shortly afterwards or are merely replaced by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have just removed damaged plumbing and such,\u201d he said. \u201cA broken door and security gate was replaced at a cost of R23 650,55, but the rest is difficult to quantify.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criminals have also stolen plant boxes used to grow vegetables for destitute HCFS clients. Rubbish is also dumped in the alley between the HCFS premises and the Hermanus Night Shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These incidents have left staff members feeling despondent and unsafe. \u201cOur staff make many sacrifices to provide our essential services, but they and their possessions are now more vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HCFS now plans to erect an \u201cimpenetrable security fence\u201d around the property. The cost for this, explains Duncan, is estimated at R350 000, funds the organisation simply does not have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce our security fence has been erected we can use help in restoring outside plumbing, lighting, gardens, painting, building attractive waiting areas, improving parking facilities and so much more. If people could volunteer their services to transport large items, that would also be a huge help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People can also help HCFS by supporting its charity shop in Aberdeen Square, Aberdeen Street, Hermanus by donating used goods or buying items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the cause can contact HCFS on 028 313 0830.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hermanus Child and Family Services\u2019 (HCFS) goal is to help provide a safe haven for the vulnerable in society, innocent victims of domestic violence and other circumstances beyond their 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