Reaching out on World Homeless Day

Reaching out on World Homeless Day

“I left home at the age of 14 due to abuse and have been living on the streets ever since.  I want to go to rehab and be a better parent for my child, but I am afraid that I may never see my children again if I go to rehab.” A young adult, sharing her wishes with...
Shifting Focus | Full Time Social Development Support Services

Shifting Focus | Full Time Social Development Support Services

Social development, “Give a Hand-Up, not a Hand-Out”, within the MID requires a transversal approach. Social development challenges along with inadequate transformation and support services, permeate throughout the streets of Cape Town.  Zone in on Muizenberg, and you...
Going Home After Living on the Streets for 19 Years

Going Home After Living on the Streets for 19 Years

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou.  Reflecting upon the work of social...
Barriers to Social Grant Applications

Barriers to Social Grant Applications

An identity document (ID) is a legal requirement in order to access many government services in South Africa.  Yet the Department of Home Affairs remains inaccessible for many destitute street people.   Limiting access to social service grants, housing applications...
Intervention | The Importance of Family Support

Intervention | The Importance of Family Support

Concerns of street children cannot be addressed without focussing on the family structure. The volatile communities from which the children escape provide them with an opportunity to roam and beg on the streets. In these situations, giving a hand-out may contribute...