Simon's Town homeless start anew in Mossel Bay

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.

Valayadum said eight people initially accepted the offer and reported to the Haven Kalk Bay shelter. Of those, six made the decision to be transferred to the Mossel Bay branch, where they could start fresh, far from the triggers of their past.