Mi-change to help change lives

Tshepo Community Development Initiative (CDI), a homeless service centre of U-turn, has implemented the Mi-change voucher system.

Developed by occupational therapists of U-Turn homeless ministries, it aims to provide the homeless community with a four-phase life change programme that provides a pathway out of homelessness. The first phase is change readiness, the second is rehabilitation, the third is work readiness and ultimately employment.

General manager, Alet Geldenhuys, said as part of the programme the clients can earn more vouchers, if they feel they want to do so, with different voucher-earning activities that are on offer at their centre. In so doing they aim to break the cycle of entitlement and dependency and to empower displaced persons to change their lives and have hope for a better future. Ultimately this will also assist in a better community for all, when the number of homeless people declines.

“If the plight of homeless individuals pulls on your heartstrings and you want to help, please help responsibly. Mi-change vouchers give you the power to change someone’s life,” said Geldenhuys. Additionally, instead of giving your small change, which can fuel addiction and create dependency, give a Mi-change voucher which provides basic needs and a pathway to reduce homelessness.

By purchasing a Mi-change voucher from the non-profit organisation, the community can gift a displaced person a voucher instead of money. These vouchers can then be redeemed at Tshepo CDI. Services they can utilise with their vouchers are shower facilities, hot meals, clothing or basic toiletries from our Vukauzenzele voucher shop. The centre also has a qualified social worker to assist with basic needs and referrals where needed.

It’ll cost you R50 for a packet of four vouchers which you can gift individually or as a packet to any displaced person you feel might be in need. “R50 and a kind gesture might just be the best thing that anyone has ever done for that person,” said Geldenhuys.

Details: Alet Geldenhuys, info@tshepo.org.za or 084 570 6653.