What we Do
MES offers social relief, development and professional services to vulnerable and homeless youth and adults, enabling them to move off the streets and reintegrate into society as contributing members.
MES has day-service centres in the major urban areas of South Africa: Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Cape Town, and Gqeberha. Day-service centres provide access to a permanent social worker and occupational therapist, as well as other social services support and links to safe night-time space. These day-service centres serve as our first point of contact with the homeless community.
The shelters provide short- to medium-term accommodation to the beneficiaries of our programmes. They are assessed and supported through the programme in overcoming mental health or addiction issues. Work programmes and training evaluate beneficiaries’ work readiness for a sustainable exit.
Get Involved
- Funding is required for the social workers and therapists.
- Training partners to provide support with bursaries, stipends, and accredited training.
- Partners in the affordable housing market.
- Support our work readiness programmes by hiring our cleaning teams.
- Sponsoring or donating tools, equipment, vehicles and fuel.
- Support the homeless through Michange vouchers that direct them to developmental pathways instead of giving them cash. Find out more and buy vouchers at www.michange.org (soon to be extended to other regions in 2025).
Contact: engage@mes.org.za
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Story of Grace
The transformative power of support, faith and purpose in overcoming adversity
Cobern Borcherds is an inspirational 52-year-old who participates in the MES Work Readiness programme and works as a team administrator. He lives in a second-phase sheltered accommodation with other men, finding the environment positive ...
Siphelo, a testament to resilience
Having completed his outpatient rehab programme with SANCA, which he embarked on in March 2023, Siphelo Phiri sees this as a pivotal moment in his life. He is optimistic that this achievement is just ...
Liezel lands a permanent job
Liezel Moses is a 26-year-old mother, who arrived at our drop-in centre in Parow on the 18th of January 2022, looking for a job opportunity. She helps to support her family, including her parents, while caring for her own children, since none of them ...
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