South African Mary-Ann Lloyd had a desire to assist disadvantaged women (domestic helpers; unmarried women; widows or single women who had been abused or abandoned by their husbands etc.) to obtain suitable homes. Mary-Ann Lloyd was forthright, cheerful and outspoken. She had strong opinions and a great concern for the plight of the underclass, particularly female domestics in abusive relationships, since she had employed a few. This led her to support the work of the Schoenstatt Fathers, a secular institute that were building houses for indigent women in the townships around Cape Town. Her assistance to the township work was mainly financial, and not only for the building of houses – she supported a number of young people in their studies, and helped one of the African priests who was in great need to see his brother in Canada. Wherever she could she assisted also in a very practical way: making meals for people who came to meetings, giving lifts, etc. It was unbelievable that a lady of her standing in society should identify so much with the plight of the poor.

She was a generous, kind, friendly and loving person, always helping others. She left many bequests in her will, but the main one is the Tamara Housing Trust, a Housing Project targeting disadvantaged women. The houses must be architecturally designed and be constructed only by builders who are members of The Master Builders Association.

The Tamara Housing Trust has thus far assisted in the funding of the building of houses in the Mfuleni Township Western Cape, 7 houses in the Orange Farm Township in Gauteng, and are currently funding another 4 houses in the Eastern Cape with building for these houses commencing in the first quarter of 2012. The Trust hopes to continue to carry out Mary-Ann’s vision and empower many more women to own their own homes.

Operates in: All of South Africa
Established in:

Non-Profit Organisation Number:
Public Benefit Organisation Number: 1811132182
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number: MT 2574/98

Contact person: Debbie
Phone:
Fax:
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Website: www.tamaratrust.org

Physical address:
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