A RESTAURANT owner is seeking the public’s support for a project to help the homeless community in the city.
Mutaher Shah, 44, owner of Pepe’s Piri Piri, based in Lowesmoor, Worcester, was previously in the Worcester News after expressing his desire to help the less fortunate.
On Friday afternoons, Mr Shah is looking for people who would like to volunteer a few hours a week to contribute and give out chicken and rice boxes, contributed by Pepe's, to help the homeless.
He said: “I need the public’s support. Everyone needs to come together as a community and tackle the increasing amount of homeless people we have in Worcester.”
His plan is to approach the eatery next-door, Cheng Ye Restaurant, and request details of the plain packaging takeaway boxes they use to purchase for his project.
Mr Shah added: “This will be separate from Pepe’s. I don’t want any form of advertising. This is a personal goal of mine and not relating to business.
“People are so reluctant to help. Especially businesses.
“Everyone has been telling me the homeless people are trouble. How can people even say that when they have no idea what these people have been through?
“I want to give them a chance in life. My mindset has changed, and I need to assist these people."
Mr Shah encourages the homeless community to visit his restaurant for free food and drink. Unfortunately, it seems people have been calling in and pretending to be homeless.
He said: “I have had all sorts of people come in.
“I understand it is difficult to establish who genuinely needs the help and who are taking advantage of me.
“People take advantage when you care. But where do you draw the line? I recognise some of the people who have visited Pepe’s and have claimed to be homeless, yet I see them in town later with their friends – who are obviously not homeless.”
