Rehabilitation opportunities for homeless people
through gardening.
U-Turn was founded in 1997 to enable homeless people to move away from dependence on aid and towards an independent life. The core belief of their work is that every person has potential and deserves the chance to develop it.
The heart of the organisation is the structured "Life-Change Journey" programme, which supports participants through four phases: from initial emergency care to alcohol withdrawal and skills development, to long-term employment and stable housing. This model has proven to be an effective way to permanently lead people out of homelessness and strengthen their independence.
Cape Town's expansion has displaced many habitats, endangering local plant and animal species and weakening the city's climate resilience. At the same time, the number of homeless people is growing - a consequence of poverty, unemployment and a lack of social security.
Living Roots responds with an integrated approach that combines social rehabilitation and environmental protection, creating a double impact.
Living Roots is a social enterprise of U-Turn that combines social integration and environmental protection. Homeless and formerly homeless people receive jobs and practical skills here - from gardening and landscaping to organic compost production.
The "Life-Change Journey" is central to this, a four-phase rehabilitation programme that supports participants from initial activities to permanent employment. In addition to its therapeutic effect, the project makes a direct contribution to the restoration of the urban environment.
With the support of the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation, Living Roots enables up to 486 people each year to find their way to a self-determined life - while at the same time contributing to the preservation of Cape Town's ecological diversity.
Louise Nurrish
Mail
Website: https://homeless.org.za/
Project Website: https://livingroots.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uturnsa/
Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootssa/ )
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTurnHomelessMinistries/
Project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingrootssa )
