South Africans face one of the worst unemployment rates globally. South Africa’s youth is growing up in communities with limited opportunities for education and future employment, and many turn to gangs and addiction. Their poor choices put many on the streets or at risk of homelessness. The longer someone remains homeless, the harder it is for them to forge a pathway out of homelessness.
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Duration | From 2 weeks |
| Dates | All year round |
| Requirements |
|
| Minimum Age: | 21 |
| Your impact | |
| Documents required | Enrolment form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, passport copy, proof of medical insurance, police clearance certificate |
| Day of arrival | Sunday |
| Day of departure | Saturday |
The Uplifting the Homeless project creates an effective life change pathway accessible to every person experiencing homelessness because it costs less to give someone a future than to maintain someone on the street. Over the last 25 years, the project has crafted an innovative skills-based programme, designed by a multidisciplinary team of occupational therapists, social workers, homeless support workers, counsellors, trainers and life coaches. There are various Homeless Support Centres throughout the country; four alone are in Cape Town.
Core aim of the project is to make this world a better place by assisting homeless people to become whole again in relational, spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical ways. The programme has a duration of 18 to 36 months for those who join and initiate the process:
Phase 1 – Homeless Support Centre
People access basic needs such as meals, clothing and ablutions through vouchers, thereby removing money from the streets.
Phase 2 – Rehabilitation
When ready, people access therapy and rehabilitation, with shelter.
Phase 3 – Work-Readiness
The project itself runs social enterprises providing over 150 participants with work opportunities, on-the-job training, stipends, shelter, food, transport, life skills training, ongoing therapy and relapse prevention. They also learn retail skills, endemic gardening, building and maintenance, or web development and coding.
Six months after graduating, the project follows up with its graduates. On average, it takes two years to graduate into independent, open-labour market employment.
Phase 4 – Independent Employment
Participants secure open-labour work and join a peer-led support group.
Results from the programme’s impact for the last 5 years show that…
+80% remain sober
+80% remain employed
+70% remain housed
Here is an overview of some of the social enterprises volunteers also get involved in and what they offer:
Your role
Full-day volunteers will participate in the morning and afternoon programmes.
Working hours are typically from 8:30 – 17:00.
Afternoon-only volunteers (who take part in our English language course in the morning) will participate in the various afternoon programmes. Sessions in the afternoons run between approximately 14:00 – 17:00.
Evenings and weekends are then usually free.
Volunteering with Uplifting the Homeless is more than just an act of service; by sharing your time, skills, and compassion, you help empower individuals on their journey out of homelessness and into restoration and dignity.
A volunteer’s daily duties will change based on the needs of the organisation and will also depend on the volunteer’s skill set or capability. Volunteers may assist at the charity shops and different facilities in and around Claremont, including the nursery. Transfers to other parts of Cape Town or social enterprises, are included and organised by the project. This is what your schedule could look like:
08:30 - 09:30: You can assist with motivational discussions and devotions.
09:30 - 11:00: Ignite session – motivational discussion with the residents.
11:00 - 12:00: Lunch preparation.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch (based on availability, volunteers may eat with the staff and the residents for free).
13:30 - 15:00: Supper preparation & Voucher earning (Participants take part in clean-ups for vouchers at many different locations, such as police stations, etc.)
14:00 - 16:00: Assistance with the homeless at the shop.
16:00: Supper time.
16:00 - 17:00: Help with general duties.
It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and activities depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above depending on the volunteers’ interests and abilities.
This project can be emotionally draining. It is important that you are aware of this before applying for this project. We will assist you during your stay to make sure that you are coping with the experience, but you need to be mentally prepared and open to the challenge.
You will live at the Volunteer House. It is a private house in an upmarket residential area with single beds and twin bedrooms. Volunteers are accommodated in twin bedrooms but may upgrade to single rooms upon request. There are 4 bathrooms to share, a communal kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with TV and DVD player and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool.
Bedding is provided. Towels are not provided.
There is a washing machine at the residence for you to use. It works with tokens which can be purchased for R40 per load.
Please note: The Volunteer House is currently closed for renovations and will be available again from early 2026.
In the meanwhile, volunteers can book the Newlands Residence at no extra cost. This residence is located in the heart of Claremont and offers single rooms with an en-suite bathroom. Bedding and towels are provided and replaced weekly. A communal kitchen, a wellness area with a mini gym, a pool and communal areas guarantee a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow volunteers. Wi-Fi is included.
A laundry room with washing machines and tumble dryers is available at the cost of R43 per load.
Upgrades to a Homestay or any other accommodation option provided by Good Hope Studies are always possible but come at an additional cost.
Meals
Self-catering except if you choose the Homestay option. The main shopping areas as well as restaurants, pubs, etc. are within walking distance of your accommodation.
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