The VRCID and MES partnership received a prestigious Downtown Achievement Award for their contribution to transforming lives by providing safe spaces and offering support to those experiencing homelessness.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 September 2024) – The International Downtown Association (IDA) presented the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID), in partnership with Mould Empower Serve (MES), with the prestigious Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to the Centre of Hope: Holistic approach to homelessness.
The Centre of Hope was entered into the category of Public Space Management and Operations, which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas.
This category features unique organisational approaches and projects in the areas of clean, safe and hospitality, placemaking and activation and facilities management.
The Centre of Hope was established to meet urgent needs within the Parow community, providing safe spaces, access to social services, and holistic support aimed at empowering individuals toward recovery and self-sufficiency.
The Centre offers various development programs, counselling, and physical assistance, with a strong focus on job readiness and personal growth. By supporting individuals throughout their journey, the Centre plays a crucial role in improving the well-being of the area and promoting responsible giving through community education.
Derek Bock, COO of the VRCID said that receiving this award underscores the strength of its partnership with MES.
“This recognition is shared with MES and highlights the power of public-private collaboration in helping those in need. Through the Centre of Hope, we’ve shown that it’s possible to bring individuals off the streets and offer them hope, even if only through a safe place to sleep.
“We sincerely hope that the authorities will take note of the work being done by the VRCID and MES in providing safe spaces for the homeless. Despite operating on a limited social development budget of just R360,000 per year, together with MES, we have made significant strides,” Derek said.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews of the City of Cape Town praised the collaboration, stating that the VRCID and MES have shown what can be achieved when we work together to provide meaningful support and create safe spaces for those in need.
“The Centre of Hope serves as an inspiring example for the City of Cape Town and beyond, demonstrating that through partnerships, we can uplift communities and empower individuals towards self-sufficiency and dignity.”
Leona Pienaar, CEO of MES, shared her gratitude for the partnership with VRCID and hoped that the collaboration model would create lasting change and offer hope to those most in need.
Public-private partnerships are essential in addressing community needs, as they bring together resources, expertise, and shared commitment.
“It is my prayer that our Parow Centre of Hope will continue to bring Hope to the most vulnerable in our community. A special thank you to Derek Bock and Wilma Piek with their dedicated VRCID team who always go the extra mile to strengthen our hands and feet!”
Sources: Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID)
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