Silverton

It is a Sunday afternoon and most businesses along the busy Moreleta Street are closed. There is a scary silence especially to people who are accustomed to noise associated with the hustle and bustle of city life. It takes courage to walk along this street since the only people around are the homeless, some huddled behind rubbish bins having a smoke, looking curiously at passersby, while others are deep in sleep next to the only safe place they know, the rubbish and clutter thrown next to the bridge and the train station. On the other side of the street, there is one pub that is open and playing loud music. A group of young men in their early twenties are sitting outside having drinks while others are smoking. They look at us suspiciously and easily surmise that we are from the Church. It takes courage to approach one of them and engage in a chat concerning our intention to provide them a light meal to mark the World Day of the Poor. These revelers prefer to continue drinking and dancing rather than present themselves for food parcels.