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The Humanity Hub is a service centre at which we address the holistic needs of Troopers, starting with the basics to help them feel dignified (like clean clothes, toiletries, and something to eat) and extending to a full range of services tailored to their individual needs:
Our compassionate psychosocial development team works with every client individually using our CAST Model.
The fieldworker and client then work out a series of steps the client can take with our SUPPORT. Sometimes, this requires our fieldworker to mediate between the client and their family to see if reconciliation is possible and whether the home is a safe space for the client. We then arrange and pay for the client’s transport home (to another province or country), prepare them for the journey and send them off with groceries and other basics.
Often the client needs an ID card before they can take other steps and we help them get their documentation in order. We can sometimes connect the client with a work opportunity or support them as they learn a new skill to increase their chances of employment. Many clients need trauma counselling or addiction support and we work within a network of service providers, always keeping in touch with the client and walking the long and often painful journey with them.
Each journey is unique and, even once they feel their life has TRANSFORMED, our fieldwork team remains in touch because transformation is an ongoing process of rebuilding a life.
The Humanity Hub is situated at 66 Newmarket street, Woodstock and is open to beneficiaries by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays from 8.30–3. This is the address at which we accept donations of clothing, shoes, toiletries, non-perishable food, and any other household items.
We are so grateful to Swindon Property for accommodating us in their premises.
founder and executive director
fundraising, marketing and advocacy manager
psychosocial development manager
office manager
Khulisa Social Solutions have included us in a large government funded stipend project that employs 500 homeless people across several non-profit organisations in Cape Town. We are so grateful to them for inviting us to be part of this pilot initiative.
Thanks to Khulisa, we now employ a team of 25 (5 supervisors and 20 workers) Troopers who chose the name Souper Squad to refer to their group. The squad work on community upliftment projects in the greater CBD area. Each Troopers is on their own CAST journey and they strengthen their personal work through paying it forward.
We have recently received funding to employ 25 troopers who are on their CAST journey, enabling us to work with them daily on their paths to independence. This newly launched Souper Squad project pays each team member a stipend to work on projects for communities and institutions needing help to improve their neighbourhoods and facilities – think gardening, painting, clean ups, makeovers, youth engagement … the possibilities are endless.
Part of the Souper Squad program includes compulsory group workshops, creative outlets like art and music, skills training, and other activities aimed at preparing them for their future working lives. As part of their transformation, these Troopers have an opportunity to step up and improve life for others, uplifting themselves at the same time. They learn skills, gain experience, take personal responsibility, and forge relationships – all crucial aspects of their CAST journey – while building their CVs to ensure future independence.
Journalist Telford Vice wrote a beautiful article in the Daily Maverick about the work The Souper Squad has done in The Bo Kaap Helpers Garden.
The Hope Exchange has a halfway house for previously homeless men who are now employed. Several of our Troopers live in their Geoff Burton House and became aware that the garden in front of the residence needed some love and attention.
The Bo-Kaap Helpers Garden
One of the Troopers in the Souper Squad read an article about a community garden aimed at supporting the youth and elderly in the area. He realised they needed help and that this could be the Souper Squad’s next project.
They moved in and started clearing out the space and preparing the beds for the seedlings. They have painted, planted, cleared, cleaned, and crept into the hearts of the community.
Who are Troopers?
Troopers are homeless people who have come to The Humanity Hub to improve their lives. In telling their stories, we have not used their real names to protect their privacy.