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Vision

To make a difference to the social need in George.

Mision

CREMHOG is a community-based organisation with a Christian ethos which initiates processes and facilitates programmes with the aim of empowering the homeless to lead independent, sustainable and meaningful lives by adopting an holistic approach.

Background

In 2008, Rev Ron Martin, former pastor of the Congregational Church in George, wrote an article in the George Herald in which he highlighted the plight of the homeless. Commonly referred to as “bosslapers” they invariably had no future prospects, slept in public porches and private gardens in the central business district, and relied on public charity and goodwill.

Their lot so gripped Rev Martin that he felt called to a full-time ministry for the homeless. The cultivation of personal relationships with the destitute prompted him to launch a weekly Sunday service in front of the Ackermans store in Meade Street. Today the “Ackermans congregation” consists of about 80 to 100 “members” and gather behind Holy Cross school at the St Marks square at 08h15 every Sunday.

As a result of the article, the Dutch Reformed Church in George South, led by Dr Marie Bosch, started supporting Rev Martin’s ministry by regularly providing soup and bread during the service.

In time, it became evident that a more holistic rehabilitation approach was vital to improve the living conditions of the homeless. On 2 July 2008, the ministry was registered as a non-profit organisation, known as the Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George (CREMHOG). Guided by a constitution, it is managed by a governing board representing all participants.

After Rev Martin passed away in 2015, CREMHOG appointed André Olivier on 1 April 2016 to continue and expand the ministry till today.

Ithemba Centre – Dream to reality

Ithemba timeline

  • 2016 – 2021: Negotiations with George Municipality for the lease of the land and
    introduction of business plans and guarantees.
  • 2022: Contract for 10 year lease signed with George Municipality and plans
    drawn up and approved for construction

  • 2023: Construction started

  • 2024: 29 February 2024: Construction completed | 01 April 2024: Ithemba opens for residents.

  • The story of RS 2023
  • The story of WB 2023
  • The story of JT 2024
  • The story of SJ 2024

Testimonies

  • God’s provision for the establishment of Ithemba Centre is overwhelming and unquestionable.
  • The support from churches, businesses, Christians and the community is hereby recognised and make us humble and deeply grateful.
  • The loving participation of volunteers is also deeply motivating and confirmation of the mission of CREMHOG and it’s projects.
  • The participation of clients and the change happening in their circumstances and quality of life is an ongoing motivation to keep focussed on the mission. It inspires to continue searching for more people whose lives can be touched, changed and renewed.

Reports

Progress Journey

During the establishment of Ithemba centre we have made use of homeless people to work at Ithemba during different activities. In the process we have assisted 1 homeless person to completely divert away from the street to employment and accommodation. He has also played a major role in construction at Ithemba.

Other homeless persons have been assisted to re-integrate with their families and are in the process of being established with accommodation at a family premises to divert them permanently away from the street.

Creating Hope

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