The Hope Exchange (THE) is a 41-year-old NPO in the heart of Cape Town that helps the homeless and people at risk of becoming so. Hope starts with dignity and THE allows the homeless to be respected for who they are, to be acknowledged and not dismissed. We provide our clients with the opportunity to shower, wash their clothes, get clinic care, attend vocational training and receive social support. Additionally, THE has a second-phase shelter for 40 men who are on the path to reintegration.
A research report compiled by local civil society organisations, NGOs and NPOs estimated that 14,000 people are homeless in Cape Town. This research was done pre-COVID. In the following years, severe lockdowns left more people without jobs and the ability to pay for a roof over their heads. The complex history of South Africa still has an impact on the country's social-economic landscape and has caused deep traumas in many individuals and communities. Homelessness is an indirect result of this.
Not only is homelessness rife in South Africa, but often also misunderstood. The Hope Exchange has a holistic approach to assisting people living on the street. We provide essential services such as ablution, clothing and meals to then offer them life skills training, counselling and job-readiness programmes. We do not just address one need or issue but are committed to following our clients on the full journey towards reintegration and/or reunification.
With The Hope Exchange's end goal being reintegration, this benefits the individual, their family and our society as a whole. In our previous fiscal year, we assisted over 60 clients with reintegration and/or reunification. Additionally, providing social services to many more who are on the path for change. With more funding, we can expand its number of bed spaces, social care programmes and skills training. - Expanding the long-term positive impact on more lives.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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