Tackling Homelessness in South Africa

Hi friends

We wanted to share an update on our Rehab and Support program for people experiencing homelessness in South Africa

Our program starts with simple but important steps. We give out vouchers to people on the streets which they can exchange at our hubs for a hot meal, clothing or a blanket. These hubs are safe spaces where our social workers can connect with people, listen to their stories and offer support.

For those ready to change their lives, we invite them into our rehab program. Stage one focuses on addressing addiction, and once successfully completed, participants start working in our centre. There are opportunities in community gardens, the charity shop, outreach programs, and the sewing program where they repair items to sell. Participants can also join training programs to develop new skills.

Our goal is to retrain and prepare people to re-enter employment and eventually move into their own home. The program typically takes a minimum of 18 months, but we have seen excellent success stories with participants gaining independence, skills and confidence to rebuild their lives.

Every voucher, every meal, and every moment spent at the hub is a step towards a brighter future. Your support helps us keep these services running and provides hope to people who need it most

Thank you for being part of this journey

Winter has arrived in South Africa, and while many are able to seek warmth and shelter, for thousands of people sleeping on the streets, the colder months bring real danger. But thanks to your support, we’re able to step out into the city with purpose, hope, and real help.

This time of year is one of our busiest. Our outreach team is on foot every day, connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness, handing out referral vouchers that invite them into our centre—a space of warmth, dignity, and possibility.

When someone arrives with a voucher, they’re offered a hot meal. That same voucher also becomes a token—redeemable for clothing or, with two tokens, a warm blanket. These essential items, all donated by local community members, often provide the first sense of relief someone has felt in weeks.

But the work doesn’t stop there. If someone chooses to get involved—helping out in the centre, supporting others, or simply engaging—they earn another token. This small act of exchange opens the door to a bigger conversation. Every person who walks through our doors is met with compassion—and the option to speak with a social worker. Some aren’t ready for the next step. But when someone says, “I want to change,” we are ready to walk that road with them.

This journey isn’t easy. But it is life-changing.

When someone enters our hostel and begins the rehab program, they’re supported every step of the way to recover from addiction, rebuild self-worth, and gain the skills needed to live independently again. And because of your generosity, we’re not just offering a hot meal—we’re offering a future.

So far, your support has helped us place over 300 individuals into meaningful employment—and we’re incredibly proud to share that one of our past beneficiaries is now a qualified lawyer, using their voice and experience to give back and advocate for others.

This transformation is only possible because people like you believe in second chances. You help turn rock bottom into a new beginning.

Just so you know—GlobalGiving’s Bonus Day is coming up, running from 10:00 AM EST on July 16 to 10:00 AM EST on July 17. During that 24-hour window, one-time donations of $100 or more will be partially matched. If you feel inspired to share this project with a friend, it’s a great opportunity to multiply the impact.

Thank you for walking alongside us in this work. Together, we are restoring dignity, building resilience, and helping people find their way home—one step at a time.