By Stephen Underwood | Communications Manager
We are in the midst of winter here in South Africa and we are extremely grateful to everyone that is supporting our ministry to people living on the street, especially in the cold and wet weather that makes street homelessness even harder.
Thanks to your support, we have provided 247.290 services to 3,456 unique individuals this year, ranging from hot showers, hearty meals, warm clothing and shelter. We also provide opportunities to earn vouchers, through informal work, that our homeless clients exchange for these services.
Providing basic needs is just the start of the journey and helps us get to know our clients and build trust that enables us to walk together into full independence.
Meet Mmatseleng, who came to U-turn in October 2025 after her informal dwelling burnt down, leaving her stranded with her two young children. Initially she came just for immediate support, meals and connection. Regular attendance grew into a deeper understanding of her self-worth and self-awareness. Mmatseleng enrolled in U-turn's work-readiness programme and is currently working four days a week in U-turn's Strand Thrift shop and seeing a life coach and counsellor once a week to work on her goals and development.
Mmatseleng is also a talented writer and story teller, sharing her story and others like hers, to the world in order to change the narrative on what we as a society believe about homelessness. We are so proud of Mmatseleng, to see more of her story, please see the link below.
Thank you for following our project and please continue supporting and sharing with others. Your donations make stories like Mmatseleng and hundreds like hers possible.
Links:
By Stephen Underwood | Communications Manager
By Stephen Underwood | Communications Manager
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