The Haven Night Shelter marked a milestone with its inaugural “Stars Under the Stars” awareness event, held at Clovelly Country Club on Friday 20 March.
The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on homelessness while showcasing the organisation’s capacity to support those in need.
With winter approaching, The Haven is ramping up efforts to move at least 150 people off the streets and into safe shelter.
Despite wet and windy conditions, more than 70 participants attended the overnight initiative.
Guests registered at 19:00 and spent the night outdoors, breaking camp at 04:00 in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with those who sleep rough daily.
A standout moment of the evening was the testimony of Nathan Caswell, a resident of the Kalk Bay Shelter.
Caswell shared his personal journey through The Haven’s programmes, highlighting the opportunities created through structured support.
Now completing his International Lifesaving Course, his progress reflects the organisation’s focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Haven CEO, Shaddie Valayadum welcomed everyone and thanked donors and sponsors for their continued support.
He stressed that homelessness is not an isolated issue, but one that requires collective action from communities, organisations and individuals.
“Homelessness is a shared societal challenge,” he said, calling on residents to work with The Haven in addressing the issue in public spaces such as streets and bridges.
In the coming months, The Haven will roll out several initiatives to bolster its impact.
These include the Dignity Project, 67 Days of Giving, the Passport Programme and the Buy-a-Bed voucher campaign, all aimed at providing both immediate relief and long-term pathways out of homelessness.
Valayadum encouraged communities to partner with The Haven, emphasising that collaboration remains key to restoring dignity and creating sustainable change for vulnerable individuals.
