Solution for rising number of homeless
WITH an increasing number of people living on the streets in the major cities in South Africa, the cold and wet conditions in winter have led to unimaginable suffering – and even death – for our fellow human beings lying on pavements.
The lack of effective and human solutions evokes strong feelings, as their plight often leaves one not knowing how best to respond. Now, promising results from the Streetscapes project show there is a workable alternative to institutional solutions that tend to be costly and short-term – and not capable of addressing the need to assist street people to exit life on the pavements sustainably. A shift from emergency relief to prevention and long-term recovery support seems to be what’s needed.
Homelessness is not the result of just one problem, but is often caused by many lifelong problems. It is often linked to mental illness and substance misuse that has a high cost to society as well as the individuals concerned. A single approach such as criminalising aspects of homelessness or relying only on food kitchens will not solve the problem. It is generally accepted that a basket of services and partnerships is needed – and key is to involve the street people population in the solution.
Streetscapes is bridging the gap between family level poverty, a lack of entry level jobs and the potential of the green economy in an effort to reduce the growing challenge of homeless people in Cape Town. It helps street persons find their own solutions to their problems. And its proving sustainable.
Although Streetscapes provides work opportunities in its three organic urban gardens, being part of the project is more a lifestyle than a job. The work is combined with mental and physical health support, counselling services, assistance with accommodation and outreach to reconnect the beneficiaries with their families. It provides income but also daily routine and dignity. It’s a vital and proven portal to navigate the homeless out of poverty and support their transition towards meaningful lives.
Beneficiaries report an improved mental and health state, reduced use of substances, ability to reconnect with family, a sense of purpose in life, the ability to earn an income and pay tax, as well as being part of a supportive network and giving back by helping others. The key is to build agency, not institutional dependency.
Streetscapes demonstrates that people living on the streets are highly motivated to work and rebuild their lives. After six months of earning R2 400 a month, 77% of beneficiaries have moved off the streets and 68% have addressed their drinking and/or drug use. A significant 73% have found employment either at the garden or through being involved in the project.
Benefits to residents, business owners and the City includes a reduction in cost to the taxpayer as the homeless become taxpaying and contributing members of society, the re-offending rate of these individuals dropping from 85% to 11%.
The public can support by buying direct – fresh 100% pesticide-free veggies from both of our gardens every weekday from 8am-3.30pm and on Saturdays from 9am-12pm, or purchase produce from the Granger Bay OZCF market. There will be a market stall in the Roeland Street garden this month.
Visit Streetscapes’ Roeland Street garden, Trafalgar garden at Trafalgar High School or the market at Granger Bay.
A SHIFT FROM EMERGENCY RELIEF TO PREVENTION AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY SUPPORT IS NEEDED