After six years of restoring dignity, providing employment and serving as a sanctuary for the vulnerable, Strand’s sister social enterprises HeBrews Coffee Shop and 2ndChance Clothing in Michau Street are preparing to close its doors.

The shops, which became a beacon of hope for the local homeless community, will officially cease operations on Thursday 25 June. To mark the final weeks, they are running a closing-down sale, inviting the public to support them one last time.

The journey began in 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Founders Hester Louw and David Mosley were volunteering with Turn-Around 180, a local NPO dedicated to supporting the homeless.

As lockdown shattered livelihoods and pushed more people onto the streets of Strand, the duo realised immediate action was needed.

“We started 2ndChance to raise funds,” Louw recalls. “Then Covid struck. HeBrews was born out of that crisis to become a safe working environment for those who have been challenged. It helped them to increase their self-worth and learn vital skills.”

When U-Turn later took over operations from Turn-Around, Louw and Mosley partnered closely with the organisation, praising their “excellent programme for uplifting the homeless”.

For the founders, the decision to close follows a significant personal milestone. Mosley celebrated his 80th birthday last year and recently suffered a minor stroke. “It was a wake-up call for us that it was time for him to slow down,” says Louw, noting that Mosley will now focus solely on his work as an insurance broker.

The true legacy of HeBrews and 2ndChance lies in the lives transformed. Over the years, the shops served as transitional spaces where individuals could rebuild their lives.

For Cindy Schmitz, an all-rounder who handled baking, cooking and marketing, HeBrews was quite literally a lifesaver.

“Being at work during the day but having to sleep outside at night was very difficult, because we have to adapt to two different worlds,” she says. “Luckily, the people here were very understanding and accommodated me like no other job would. I am off the streets for the third and final time thanks to manager Jackie Welch and HeBrews.”

Cindy now dreams of paying it forward by opening a dedicated safe space and bathroom facility for vulnerable women.

Other stories of restoration include that of Mark Mugisha, a former engineer who was retrenched in 2020 and lost his life savings. He was homeless by 2024 but found his footing after arriving at HeBrews, describing the experience as a spiritual awakening that helped him rearrange his priorities and rediscover his purpose.

Girly Sibanda, the shop’s barista, used quiet moments at work to study, graduating with excellent grades as a certified carer. “It gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and do more than just make coffee,” she says.

Welch, who has managed 2ndChance since 2020, reflects on the deep bonds formed with locals. “I will walk away knowing that I have made a difference in people’s lives. I will miss my regular customers, their friendships and their donations.”

While the physical doors on Michau Street are closing, the impact of the work will ripple forward.

Louw confirms that her InsideOut Health Hub, which she operated out of 2ndChance, will be relocated.

She will continue supplying the community with NeoLife, Golden Products, Salvation Skin Products and fresh free-range farm produce.

As they prepare to say goodbye, the team leaves behind a powerful message for the Strand community.

“Every person has a story,” says Louw. “Take time to get to know the less fortunate. Time, encouragement and a helping hand can change their future. Money is not always the answer.”

Cindy echoes this sentiment, urging locals to move past preconceptions. “Go and get your hands dirty. Go and see for yourself what the circumstances are; the more people get involved and educated about one another, the better.”

The community is encouraged to visit the Michau Street stores before 25 June to support the closing-down sale.