Giving by Referral

How many of you have been stopped at a robot by someone with a cardboard sign, been asked for money while walking the down the street, or had a child come up to you at a restaurant to ask for something to eat? It can be heart wrenching, awkward, and downright confusing.

If you’ve read any of our Giving Resources you’ll know that relationship and giving are scriptural. Some give money or tangible things, while others might discern that a referral is a great way to point someone toward help in a certain instance.

Below are some local Cape Town service providers that you could refer people to. This is a starting point. Research these for yourself – give them a call, hop on their websites and learn more about what they offer. Refer people that ask you for assistance. Build relationships with those in need if/when possible. Stay informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood and refer to professionals or NGOs that know how to do community development wisely. Contact these organisations and find out who else they know of that is doing great work in your neighborhood.

After reading the suggested organisations below, let us know if you support, or would like to recommend, an NGO in your area! We’d love to keep expanding this list and make it even more useful for those in Cape Town to team together for good.

Straatwerk is a faith-based programme that works with those who are homeless and / or unemployed, to provide basic work opportunities involving the clean-up of public spaces. Participants are able to obtain feedback on their efforts, potentially progress into supervisory roles, and earn a stipend. Members of the public can refer and/or sponsor someone to join a shift.

Website: straatwerk.org.za
Address: PO Box 910, Parow, 7499, Cape Town
Contact Number: 021 930 8055

The Zanokhanyo Network is Common Good’s employment initiative. They offer transformative Work Readiness training that empowers the unemployed with the confidence, skills and resources they need to obtain meaningful work.

The Work Readiness programme prepares participants for the job market by providing practical training in a supportive environment that encourages social and spiritual development.

Find out more about the course here and to sign up, show up on THE FIRST DAY OF A NEW COURSE. First come, first serve.

Website: commongood.org.za/employment
Address:21 Nelson Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town
Contact Number: 021 201 1493

Follow TZN on Facebook: The Zanokhanyo Network and Instagram: @thezanokhanyonetwork for links to course events.

Ladles of Love is a soup kitchen but so much more. This is a place of hope and one of the ways that our city serves the homeless. You can refer someone to their service locations and you can also sign up to volunteer.

Check out their website to find out the days and times that they serve a meal in our city. Most meals are served at The Hope Exchange on 14a Roeland Street.

Website: Ladlesoflove.org.za
Contact Number: 021 201 1244

Over the past 21 years, Uturn have crafted an innovative skills-based programme designed by occupational therapists, that is Christian faith-based and includes Bible Study, Biblical counselling and Fellowship, with long-term results for rehabilitation and reintegration. Six months after graduating from the programme, more than 80% of participants remain employed and sober.

You can buy vouchers to give to those in need. Vouchers can be redeemed at the U-turn locations here for food or clothing. You can also donate clothes, furniture, and other goods that can be sold at U-Turn second-hand shops which allow for job opportunities for their clients!

Website: homeless.org.za
Address: 55 2nd Ave, Kenilworth, 7708, Cape Town
Contact Number: 021 674 6119

When a homeless person arrives at The Haven the host of the day (supervisor) will welcome the person and explain what The Haven does. The client completes a registration form and gets something to eat. They do not charge fees for up to 5 days.

Part of taking responsibility is that clients have to pay R12 per day for services if they are unemployed or R750 per month if income exceeds R1400.00 pm. Clients can earn their stay at a shelter by working for/in the shelter. The Haven has 15 shelters in and around Cape Town.

Website: haven.org.za
Contact Number: 021 425 4700

Common Ground Inner City runs an entrepreneurship development programme called Paradigm Shift, aimed at current and potential micro-entrepreneurs – including those currently unemployed. The entire Course is 100% free to the participants. Common Ground Inner City funds and provides this course with volunteers. The Course is run by a Team of dedicated Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Specialists in their field.

This Course is geared towards equipping trainees/entrepreneurs with the business, financial and management information and skills necessary to grow and improve existing businesses, or to help you start new ones. These skills and best practices are taught grounded in Spiritual Principles.

Contact Number: 082 310 3609 (Kirst Vadas)

Just Grace offers professional and caring support from qualified social workers. They work with individuals and families that need assistance with counselling, physical or sexual abuse, parent support groups, legal referrals, substance abuse, violent behaviour, antisocial behaviour, broken family ties and referrals to the Department of Social Development.

This organisation is a great starting point for families that need support with youth or have a counselling need. Check out their website for details of their programs and reach out to their staff for specific requests.

Website: justgrace.co.za
Address: 45 Washington St, Langa, 7455, Cape Town

This organisation has a lot of development opportunities for those in the Muizenberg area. They run programmes in Early Childhood Development, Youth Development, a Soup Kitchen service, gardening classes, sewing classes and more. Situated on the main road of Capricorn/Vrygrond, this soup kitchen provides a meal to anyone who needs food that day (as long as supplies last). This is a great place to refer hungry people that are in the Muizenberg area.

Website: whererainbowsmeet.org
Address: 98 Vrygrond Avenue Vrygrond, Muizenberg, 7945, Cape Town
Contact Number: 021 205 3496