As icy temperatures grip Cape Town, organisations caring for people living on the streets are under growing pressure to provide warmth, food and support to the city’s most vulnerable residents.
One such organisation is Youth Solutions Africa, a Zonnebloem-based non-profit working tirelessly to support homeless youth and adults.
The organisation provides shelter, daily meals, social support, substance abuse assistance and development programmes aimed at helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Nadine Mbouta, manager at the organisation, said they currently need warm blankets, clothes, toiletries and non-perishable foods ahead of winter.
According to Mbouta, the organisation service men and women from age 18 years.
“People living in our shelter receive three meals a day and have access to ablution facilities. We run an annual winter programme for vulnerable homeless people living on the streets.”
She explained that the programme runs for four months during the winter season from June to September.
“Our soup kitchen serves breakfast and lunch five days per week to about 80 to 100 people at a time. The soup kitchen creates a platform to deal with issues such as antisocial behaviour while living on the streets.”
Mbouta said the organisation also runs three creches in Cape townships as well as a home for abused women in Mowbray.
She explained that many people arrive at the organisation seeking food, and they make it a priority to ensure no one is turned away hungry.
“Winter is our biggest challenge because our electricity usage increases as we have more people to care for. We are always looking for volunteers to come and assist us.
Mbouta encouraged members of the public to visit the facility and see firsthand the work being done to support vulnerable people in the community.
She also expressed gratitude to regular donors and volunteers who continue to give their time and support to help care for vulnerable people.
To donate call 021 462 8006 and cell 074 067 5747.
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