What is it all about?
For a long time, the church and the city have grappled with the challenge of how to best support those who are homeless or in need.Many of us have found ourselves giving money or food to those in need in an effort to help, however small. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that these well-intentioned actions can sometimes create more problems than they resolve.In some instances, donors may inadvertently become easy targets for individuals with dishonest intentions, who may use their circumstances to take advantage of the generosity of others. However, there is another, better way to help which does not involve giving money or food directly to those in need and thereby mitigating the risk of becoming a target of those with dishonest intentions.
The Mi-Change Initiative
The Mi-change voucher initiative, powered by U-turn in partnership with MES, aims to provide a pathway out of homelessness for individuals in need. By offering vouchers that can be redeemed for essential services like food, clothing, and shelter, the initiative reduces street solicitation and the circulation of cash, which often contributes to addiction and dependency. This approach connects individuals with basic needs and professional support services, fostering a more sustainable solution to homelessness and promoting accountability in giving.
How It Works
Many people tend to respond to homelessness reactively, either by giving cash or with a cup-of-soup-and-a-blanket approach. This creates dependency and chronic homelessness. Instead of giving your small change or food which can fuel addiction and create dependency, give a Mi-Change voucher which provides basic needs and a pathway out of homelessness.
Instead, when a person in need redeems your voucher for one of the services offered below, from an accredited Mi-change service provider, they also access support services, rehabilitation, skills development, work opportunities and more.
SVP buys R500 worth of vouchers per month that are left at the church office. Those in need calling at the church can be given a voucher which can be redeemed at one of the Homeless Support Centres of which there are at least three in the Cape Town area.
One voucher enables the voucher holder a night in a safe space shelter and which includes the following:-
- A meal at the safe space
- A shower with a toiletry pack
- Social services
- A set of clothes
A pack of 4 vouchers cost R50 and these can be purchased at a number of outlets, churches or online. (Click on this link and click on the 'How It Works' menu option to view the outlets.)
The Initiative Is Working!
