#ThisIsWorking
A Pathway Out of
Homelessness
In South Africa
Skills for people to Overcome homelessness in South Africa
Who are we?
UK Registered Charity Reducing
Homelessness In South Africa
U-turn Outreach is a registered UK charity that is dedicated to equipping homeless people and communities in South Africa with the skills to overcome homelessness. For over 25 years, U-turn has refined a programme providing skills for effective pathway out of homelessness.
The charity assists over 5000 individuals accross South Africa every year, providing a structured phased programme. Over 80% of U-turn graduates remain sober and employed long term. To find out more about the programme see below.
What’s the problem?
The cost of homelessness in South Africa
We know that keeping someone on the street costs significantly more than the cost of rehabilitating them and giving them a future.
A 2020 independent study, the first of its kind in Africa, tracked the costs for judiciary, medical and social assist the homeless, as well as additional costs, like costs for businesses. There is also a human cost. The study showed we are reacting to homelessness, not solving it.
Over 14,000 people were sleeping rough in Cape Town in 2020, that number has increased. It cost Cape Town GBP 35m responding to homelessness, but over 45% of that was punitive reactive measures. Only 16% of that spend went to development, long term solutions.
What if we spent more on resolving homelessness than reacting to homelessness? What would that mean for individuals? What would it mean for the South African community?
The U-turn programme has been refined over 25 years, and shows long term effective results.
%
Remain Employed
%
Remain Sober
%
Independently Housed
How do we respond?
Effective Life Change
U-turn provides a life change pathway out of homelessness by providing tools and skills to individuals and communities from basic needs, through to work and life skills. This includes:
Change Readiness: Service centers provide basic needs and introduction to a Life Change Pathway.
Rehabilitation: Drug rehabilitation along with access to shelter and voluntary work experience.
Work Readiness: Access to on-the-job training along with transitional housing, ongoing therapy and a driving license.
Aftercare: Independent employment, assistance to find accommodation, and support for individuals and their family.
Graduation happen after clients search for and secure work in the open labor market.
