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MEDIA RELEASE MES announces the opening of MES Durbanville Safe Space for the homeless DURBANVILLE, CAPE TOWN, 2 APRIL 2024: MES (Mould Empower Serve) is proud to announce the opening of the Durbanville Safe Space, a robust further initiative set to positively impact the lives of homeless individuals, extending the service of the NGO to the people in need across the northern suburbs of Cape Town. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 3 April 2024, from 14:00 to 16:30 at the Durbanville Safe Space at 2 New Street, Durbanville, located next to the Durbanville taxi rank in the heart of the Durbanville CBD. "The newly renovated building, the Durbanville Safe Space, represents a joint effort between MES and the City of Cape Town to restore dignity, safety, and essential services to Durbanville's homeless community," states Leona Pienaar, CEO at MES. "It is strategically located within the bustling city centre and a testimony to the power of partnership and public welfare." Cape Town Metro Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis will officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Other dignitaries in attendance will be Alderman Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee Member; Carin Viljoen, Manager of Corporate Services at City of Cape Town; Megan Pangeni, Head: Street People Programme at the Department of Social Development and ECD; Ruan Beneke, Councillor for Ward 105, as well as key partners and MES staff who have tirelessly worked to realise this project. This initiative directly responds to increasing homelessness in Durbanville and aims to offer more than just shelter. At the MES Durbanville Homeless Support Centre in Queen Street, MES has served 6577 meals for the past year. The centre assisted 40 people with ID applications and assessed 157 beneficiaries, while 151 change readiness workshops were hosted for 1524 attendees, preparing them to make a meaningful contribution to society. "There are no similar centres in the immediate area. Recent homelessness studies have highlighted the overwhelming need in the Western Cape and Cape Town. The Durbanville Safe Space will be a flagship for furthering successful rehabilitation programs," says Pienaar. The growing concern regarding the number of homeless people living in Durbanville - without access to alternative accommodation nearby - was the main driver to obtaining the urgent lease for our Safe Space. MES chose not to wait for a tender to be drafted, budgeted and advertised. If Durbanville's Safe Space had to follow the normal Tender and Supply Chain Management route, MES would likely only have been able to open a safe space in this area in 2027. MES is immensely thankful that the capital upgrades have been completed and the Occupational Certificates have been obtained. The next obstacle for MES will be to secure operational funding to ensure the space runs effectively. The monthly operating costs are projected at R130,000. MES is actively pursuing financial backing from public donations, businesses, churches, foundations, and the City of Cape Town's Winter Readiness programme to maintain the facility's crucial services. The MES Durbanville Safe Space is designed to aid in reintegrating those committed to positive change, supporting 40 beneficiaries monthly through a multi-phased programme that reinforces ...

Dear Friends of MES, “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the [c]still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23: 1-4 In the literal sense of the scripture in Psalm 23, a shepherd's tools represent protection, guidance, and discipline. Sometimes, a shepherd breaks the leg of a sheep if it keeps straying off. Then, the shepherd carries the sheep on his shoulder and talks to the sheep so that it can learn to trust the shepherd’s voice. In the metaphorical sense, where the Shepherd is our Heavenly Father, breaking a leg can symbolise moments of trial or difficulty in our lives. Yet, even in these moments, the voice of the Shepherd remains constant. He whispers comfort and assurance, reminding us of His presence and promise never to leave nor forsake us. Knowing the voice of the Shepherd and recognising the significance of His rod and staff is crucial for those who follow Him. The rod and staff serve distinct yet complementary purposes. The rod, a sturdy wooden tool, symbolises the shepherd's authority and protection. It fends off predators and keeps the flock safe from harm. Likewise, in our spiritual journey, the rod represents God's protective hand over His people, guarding them from the dangers that lurk in the darkness of the world. The staff, a long-crooked stick with a hook at one end, serves as a tool for guidance and correction. The shepherd uses it to gently guide wayward sheep back onto the right path and to rescue them from precarious situations. Similarly, God's staff represents His gentle guidance and correction in our lives, steering us away from harmful paths and leading us towards righteousness. When we know the voice of the Shepherd and understand the significance of His rod and staff, we can find strength and hope even amid our darkest moments. We can trust that He will lead us safely through the valleys, mend our brokenness, and restore our souls. It is my prayer that during Easter, we will hear the voice of our Shepherd as we celebrate the gift of life made possible through His crucifixion and resurrection. We will find time to lay down our burdens and lean closer to the Vine so that we can continue to bear fruits! I wish you enough! Leona Pienaar CEO of MES Leona Pienaar, CEO of MES

On 19 February 2024, MES participated in the National Homeless Dialogues, organised by the National Homeless Network at The Manger in Kempton Park. The National Homeless Network is a collaborative movement, uniting diverse organisations from multiple cities across South Africa. The event gathered approximately 80 attendees from various backgrounds, including NGO representatives, academics, researchers, pastors, government officials, and individuals with personal experiences of homelessness. During the event, a key topic of conversation was the National Policy on homelessness. By the close of the Conference, delegates left with a few core principles: Homelessness is complex and needs a complex response from the state, civil society, and business. A citywide database is crucial in capturing standardised baseline surveys and impact data. Collective Impact Approach models - like the Joint Operations Committees in Cape Town - are the only way to reduce homelessness. One plan and one developmental language. Ending homelessness is an intentional process, and its impact needs to be measured – we need to: prevent it; make it a rare occurrence (we need to know when new people end up on the street and why); make it brief (when people are homeless) and non-recurring (those that exit must do so sustainably and not return to the streets); a variety of solutions for accommodation and services (day and night services) for each area. Together, we CAN reduce homelessness in South Africa! Click here to read the National Homeless Network media statement.

A fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning, 31 August 2023 at a five-storey building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg. Over 70 people died in the fatal incident, including 12 children, leaving more than 50 others injured. The building that burned down, was a home to more than 200 people, many of whom are now left homeless. MES is accommodating 70 survivors from the Marshalltown fire tragedy. We are motivated to restore dignity through Moulding, Serving and Empowering humanity. Please assist us with donations of food, toiletry packs and clothes. Donations can be delivered to 353 Main Street, Jeppestown. Your support can make a significant difference in helping those affected by this tragic incident. A little goes a long way! Monetary Donations: ABSA Bank MES General Acc no: 3240140208 Branch code: 632005 Swift: ABSAZAJJ Contact us for more information