Dear Obs Journey friend,
We long for good news, it lifts our spirits and makes us believe that everything can work out in the end.
Gino’s Story: From Living Rough to Owning a Business
The good news is that there is hope. People once living rough on the streets can change their situations. One such person is Gino Mahume, who now runs Gino Clear Windows and Gutter Cleaning. He says:
“I used to live on the streets of Observatory. Prior to that, I had a job but I seemed to lose my way when I had relationship difficulties with my girlfriend, and I turned to drink. Inevitably, I lost my job, could not pay my rent, and ended up living rough. Observatory was a fine neighbourhood, the residents very generous in supporting my drinking habit. All that changed when, at the beginning of COVID I was asked if I wanted to go to a New Hope SA micro site which was operating from St Pete’s church, Mowbray. Ten of us lived in the church hall which had been converted into separate sleeping places for each resident. We received counselling, we learnt how to interact with others, we did some basic computer training, customer care training and we were given the opportunity to start our own business.
“Today, I am the owner of a window and gutter cleaning business. I mostly work on my own, but when I have big jobs, I employ two others to assist. I am now a housed resident of Observatory. It has been a long and sometimes tough journey, but I am proud of myself that I have made it through. The winter months are always difficult from a business perspective but I trust the people of Observatory will support me.”
Observatory, let’s support Gino! You can book him by calling or messaging him on 081 061 9243.