Public can use vouchers to help homeless

The Mould Empower Serve (MES) has called on the public to use a voucher system that allows homeless people to buy essential services, like food and clothes, without exposing them to drugs.

Mi-Change vouchers are sold at certain retail stores in the northern suburbs and U-turn Homeless Ministries branches which are in Claremont, Muizenberg and Strand and can be redeemed for essential services by homeless people.

The voucher project has been happening since June 2022 in Cape Town, according to Franita Knudsen, a development and marketing officer of MES.

The voucher can also be purchased online at this link or in the MES shelters for the homeless in Bellville, Parow or Durbanville.

Each pack of vouchers costs R50 and contains four vouchers.

“This system allows the public to contribute directly to the well-being of unhoused individuals in a controlled and meaningful way.

“Many beneficiaries get referred to MES and U-turn for assistance by the public, and we therefore encourage the public to also sponsor these vouchers to MES and U-turn homeless support centres,” said Ms Knudse.

She believed that giving cash to someone on the streets can fuel addiction and dependency and can lead to “chronic homelessness”.

She said that from the beginning of September 2023 to September this year, 74.43% of Mi-Change vouchers sold were redeemed at MES branches in Cape Town.

“This marks a record high since the system’s implementation, underscoring the effectiveness of this innovative approach to providing assistance.

“During this period, a total of 38 854 vouchers were sold, with a peak of 3023 vouchers redeemed during the cold month of August alone. The community’s engagement led to 28 920 vouchers being redeemed over this period, significantly impacting the lives of those in need.”

To get information about all retail stores and churches that sell the voucher, you can contact Ms Knudsen at 082 440 7055 or cptfundraising@mes.org.za.