Who We Are
Siwa Home is a non-profit organization committed to supporting homeless individuals through safe housing and compassionate care. We understand the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and work tirelessly to provide a foundation for recovery and independence.
Our Mission
To provide safe shelter, essential support, and hope for individuals experiencing homelessness while helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
Our Vision
A future where every person has access to safe housing, care, and the opportunity to thrive.
Our Values
Compassion
We treat every individual with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Safety
We provide a secure environment where people can feel protected and supported.
Hope
We believe every person deserves a second chance and a brighter future.
Community
We work together to uplift lives and strengthen communities.
How We Work
Our method is to have a perfect homeless shelter, rehabilitation opportunities, social welfare services, family reunification services, physical care and support available to adult people living on the streets who are committed to reintegration.
To partner and co operate with religious institutions, organisations, welfare bodies, service providers, businesses, government departments, local authorities and individuals concerned with the care and welfare of the destitute.
To promote community awareness of the social problems arising out of destitution and to encourage the participation of the public in the alleviation of such problems.
To reduce the opportunities for people to continue to live on the streets.
Fieldworkers
We employ fulltime staff to “hit the pavement” to encourage people to come off the streets and get the person back to a home. The process of getting a person back to their loved ones usually involves introducing them to a shelter like the Haven.
In addition the fieldworker engages with property owners, business and the City to reduce the “bed space” on our streets.
The fieldworker’s role is to actively encourage and create the opportunities for the Homeless person to get back to their loved ones and family. They do this by:
- Logging the person on the relevant City database of homeless people.
- Using whatever contact details they have to find the person’s family.
- Making contact with the family to find ways to get the person back to them.
- Making travel arrangements depending on the availability of funds.
- Ensuring the person gets to the train or bus station.
- Calling the family the following day to ensure that their loved one has arrived and is safe.
- Deregistering the person from the City’s database.
Homeless persons entering SIWA HOME
When a homeless person comes in the host of the day (supervisor) will welcome the person and explain what SIWA HOME does and allow the homeless person/guest time to make up his mind whether SIWA HOME is a partner for him/her on his/her way home or not. Once the guest indicates that they wishes to access the help from SIWA HOME we begin a process of screening and begin the client registration process. The client completes a registration form and gets something to eat. Thats where the SIWA HOME really begins to help.
Social work
We are only able to help a homeless person on their journey if they don’t have a home to stay. The SIWA HOME employs social workers to undertake an in depth assessment and help the homeless person construct a personal development plan (PDP). The PDP requirements will indicate that needs to be done and for how long the shelter is necessary in order for the client to successfully complete the requirements in the PDP. From this moment the guest is regarded as a client of the SIWA HOME. Progress is measured regularly and the PDP adjusted if necessary. The shelter manager is responsible for administration, hospitality, good order and arrangements with respect to work opportunities and the clients exit from SIWA HOME.
Objectives
- Provide safe, stable residential shelter to homeless and vulnerable individuals in the Umzimkhulu area.
- Protect infants, children, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly from neglect, abuse, and unsafe living conditions.
- Ensure residents have access to basic needs support, including nutritious meals, clothing, and hygiene services.
- Provide consistent daily care, supervision, and supportive routines that promote wellbeing and dignity.
- Facilitate access to health, psychosocial, and social services through referrals and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
- Support reintegration planning and family/community-based solutions where appropriate and in the best interests of the individual.
Programmes
- Residential Shelter Programme: Safe accommodation and a supportive home environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
- Infant, Child and Youth Care Support: Daily care and protection support for infants and young people in need of a safe home, with referral pathways where required.
- Disability Support Programme: Supervision and assistance for residents who are mentally and/or physically challenged, aligned to individual care needs.
- Elderly Care Support: A safe living environment with age-appropriate daily support and monitoring.
- Health and Psychosocial Referral Support: Linkage to clinics, hospitals, and social services for medical care, assessments, and psychosocial support.
- Life Skills and Reintegration Support: Practical support and planning aimed at improving independence and identifying safe long-term living solutions where possible.
Current Residents
Siwa Development Centre currently provides residential care to approximately 20 adults: 12 females and 8 males. Of these adults, 19 are persons living with disabilities and 1 is not disabled. In addition, the home supports 37 orphans (12 boys and 25 girls) as well as 3 toddlers.