SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON HOMELESSNESS

Great partnerships lead to excellent outcomes

10 October 2024 is World Homeless Day, raising awareness of what it means to be destitute or homeless, while providing opportunities for communities and businesses to assist and serve. Throughout the month of October, various organisations across South Africa will be working alongside Sheltersuit SA Foundation to address the plight of people in desperate living situations. 

We are grateful for our association with The Greater Tygerberg Partnership, MES (Mould Empower Serve), VRCID (Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District), Rea Thusana Foundation and Doorway to Dignity. These organisations uphold the values and ideals that are part of our mission to solve the crisis of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.  

Through our joint efforts to understand the core of the problem of homelessness, we are exploring initiatives that deliver care and support, while remaining compassionate and caring, and recognising people for their inherent individuality, humanity and dignity.

Why World Homeless Day is important to us

Poverty and homelessness pervade all levels of society—people left destitute and desperate in our central business districts, metropolitan regions, and rural towns. Each day presents an urgent quest to solve a crisis that continues to threaten the stability of our country. Because we care deeply about people, we will continue to pledge our support and efforts for the benefit of society.

Homelessness violates the principle of human dignity enshrined in articles 1 and 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. (United Nations)

What we encounter daily is just the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface lurks a life that no human being deserves—a life lacking pride and dignity, surrounded by crime and theft, prostitution, and gender-based violence.

Homeless people living under bridges or huddled up against a building is a common sight in South Africa. Not knowing how to help or believing that one person cannot make an impact means people often end up doing nothing. 

The collective efforts of dedicated social workers, business partners, volunteers, non-profit organisations, and distribution agencies make it possible to touch one life at a time, reaching out a hand, a heart, and a plan, not just to survive but to thrive.

Together, we have made a difference in the lives of many people and the impact of our collective efforts will continue. World Homeless Day raises a platform to share the possibilities of uplifting vulnerable societies through thoughtful processes and relationships.

Communication and information

• Sheltersuit SA Foundation
• The Greater Tygerberg Partnership
• MES (Mould Empower Serve)
• Doorway to Dignity
• Rea Thusana Foundation
• VRCID (Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District)