Spreading love to the homeless

SOUPER Troopers, an organisation born out of the desire of a group of friends to help others, by hosting regular socials for the homeless, celebrated its fourth birthday at The Carpenter’s Shop in Cape Town.

For this group of individuals, a birthday party is not about receiving, but giving, and they shared their special day with the city’s homeless and disadvantaged residents.

Souper Troopers’ founder Kerry Hoffman was inspired to connect with the most marginalised individuals; people living on the streets. One day of serving soup and sandwiches from an urban pavement to homeless individuals led to a vision that gestures like these could bring about positive change in an increasingly negative space.

“Our organisation has been working for four years now, with 20 to 30 volunteers helping the homeless of about 600 people, however the number is growing every month,” said Hoffman

Chantel Sampson, 36, has been homeless for two years, and was happy to be among the helpers in the organisation. “People must acknowledge those on the street, they too need love and care, we don’t need money, but we need warmth and love,” she said.

Clavonne Cloete, 32, one of the homeless, shared her story on why she ended up on street.

“Being a drug addict led me to live on the street, we all have our own stories to tell about why we are here. I wish all our stories can be out there and heard,” she said. “All we want is for people to give us time and love.”

Souper Troopers hosts social gatherings every month, a platform to allow homeless individuals to have a space to have some fun and feel human.