MES is a Christian social development organisation that has been changing the heart of the city since 1986 and actively working towards providing sustainable solutions to pervasive poverty in the inner cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Kempton Park.

The initial vision for MES was born in 1986 when the Johannesburg East Dutch Reformed Church started with an outreach programme that handed out food parcels to the homeless and unemployed community of Hillbrow.

MES is a registered Not-for-Profit Company, a Nonprofit Organisation and a Public Benefit Organisation with a Section 18A tax benefit status.

  • Not-for-Profit Company (NPC): 1989/004921/08
  • Nonprofit Organisation (NPO): 023 603
  • Public Benefit Organisation (PBO): RG/0012/09/04

Our vision

To change the heart of the city!

Our Mission

To drive essential social change aimed at solving systemic poverty and homelessness.

How? Through services and partnerships that enable a journey out of poverty and homelessness to sustainable development.

We believe change is possible for everyone who wants to build a thriving life and society anchored in Christ.

Our values

The core values of MES are based on Christian principles and reflect how we engage with all stakeholders.

  • Christ-centred
  • Influence potential
  • Servant leadership
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration

IMAGINE…

A space where the disempowered are empowered
A space where positive values and norms are nurtured
A space where human potential is developed
A space where dignity is restored
A space where hope is possible!

The MES Board of Directors