A personal crisis in 2014 inspired Kerry Hoffman to hand out soup and sandwiches to people living on Cape Town’s streets.

Today, that single act of compassion has grown into Souper Troopers‘ Humanity Hub in Woodstock, where people experiencing homelessness receive holistic support to help rebuild their lives.

Hoffman, founder and executive director of Souper Troopers, said the organisation’s journey began with a simple promise.

“I realised that day that I didn’t want to make promises that I couldn’t keep, so I gave a date that I would show up again the next month. For me, that was a powerful day of connection… it felt like a calling for me.”

Supported by her mother, Hoffman continued hosting monthly social events for more than five years, drawing between 400 and 700 people at each gathering.

The events, initially held in the Company’s Garden before moving to the Service Dining Room in District Six and later the Hope Exchange in Roeland Street, were run with the help of people living on the street.

Beyond sharing meals, the gatherings included movie nights, karaoke, birthday celebrations and the distribution of toiletries, creating opportunities for connection, dignity and joy.

“Our ethos from day one has been dignity, love and respect. If we all treat each other with dignity, love and respect, I think this would be a super world,” said Hoffman.

Humanity Hub

As relationships with those living on the streets deepened, Hoffman realised emergency relief alone was not enough.

That vision led to the establishment of the Humanity Hub at the end of 2020, before the organisation relocated to its current premises in New Market Street, Woodstock, in 2022.

The Humanity Hub provides holistic support by meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and toiletries while offering personalised services including healthcare and addiction referrals, assistance with identity documents and grants, family reunification, accommodation, job readiness, skills training, legal support, transport and ongoing mentoring.

Each client receives support through the organisation’s CAST (Connect, Assess, Support and Transform) model.

“We believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to homelessness, but when you connect with an individual and listen to their needs, there is more than likely a way forward that can transform their lives. We want them to become independent members of society.”

The organisation now employs former clients through its Souper Squad programme.

Many have transitioned off the streets and are living in shelters, safe spaces or have reunited with their families.

Changing lives

Souper Troopers manager Moeshfieqah Bosch said she was unemployed and struggling to find work because of a criminal record, leaving her with little hope for the future.

She recalled that she had been living with friends and was determined to turn her life around when a member of Souper Troopers approached her and asked if she would be interested in joining the organisation.

“I remember going for the interview. It was for an administrative position. I was elated when they informed me that I had been appointed,” she said. Since then, Bosch has worked her way up and now oversees the day-to-day operations of the NPO.

She encourages others to embrace every opportunity that comes their way and to have the courage to believe in themselves.

Odette Oliver, supervisor of the African Worry Dolls project, said the organisation helped her regain control of her life and gave her the confidence to leave an abusive marriage.

Having rebuilt her life, she now encourages women facing similar circumstances to seek help, believe in their own strength and never lose hope for a better future.

Souper Troopers employee Randall Skippers said he struggled to find work a few years ago, but his life took a positive turn after joining the organisation.

To create sustainable income, Souper Troopers also produces African Worry Dolls and Troopers Coffee, partners with Woolworths to manufacture decorations, and established a private company, Shmiley, which is owned by the non-profit organisation.

Hoffman said establishing and leading Souper Troopers has exceeded anything she imagined.

“I could never have imagined that I could be the director of my own organisation. My devotion and commitment to the organisation is personal. It’s a commitment to my growth and healing.”

Souper Troopers is appealing for donations of clothing, household goods and financial support, while also seeking volunteers and corporate partners.

They hope to establish a Souper Troopers Training Academy to upskill people and create more pathways out of homelessness.

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