From homelessness to hope

Six long-time homeless residents from Simon's Town have taken a significant step towards rebuilding their lives by entering rehabilitation and shelter care in Mossel Bay, more than 400km from the streets they once called home.

- ERIN CARELSE

The journey started when the family and friends of Haven Night Shelter CEO Shaddie Valayadum began handing out meals to homeless people on the beach every Saturday.

While feeding them, they encouraged the group to consider going to the shelter

Mr Valayadum, said eight people initially accepted the offer and reported to the Haven Kalk Bay shelter.

Of those, six made the courageous decision to be transferred to the Mossel Bay branch, where they could start fresh, far from the triggers of their past.

"They wanted to go somewhere far away to focus on getting their lives back together," said Mr Valayadum.

"Being 400km away limits the temptation to return to the street and gives them a real shot at rehabilitation."

Mr Valayadum said the Haven team understands the emotional weight of this decision.