Step-down shelter the MES Bellville Safe Space has been changing the lives of street dwellers since 2017.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 February 2025) — On 27 February, the world acknowledges NGO Day—an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work of non-governmental organisations that are transforming communities. One such initiative that’s been making a significant impact in Cape Town since 2017 is the MES Bellville Safe Space, a step-down shelter where street dwellers come to rebuild their lives.
It Starts With Dignity
Located at 1AJ West Street, The Bellville Safe Space was created to address the pressing need for safe and dignified accommodation for homeless individuals looking to reclaim and rebuild their lives.
Because a sense of dignity so often goes hand-in-hand with reintegrating back into society, the past eight years have seen shelter serve those who need it with this in mind. It offers much more than a place to eat and sleep; instead, it serves as a pathway to a renewed life through holistic services aimed at societal reintegration.
This Holistic support includes counselling, skills development, job readiness, and spiritual care.
A Collaborative Effort With Community In Mind
As MES Branch Manager Ilse Maartens explains:
“The Safe Space as a concept was born within a collaborative impact approach where state, civil society and business aligned mandates and found practical solutions to complex problems. MES was entrusted to give physical expression to this concept and it resulted in a first of its kind space where the most vulnerable could find a solid and safe footing on a path of restoration and hope.”
Since its opening, the community has taken ownership of the space, contributing to its growth and transformation.
Thanks to this, the shelter is able to stand as a testament to collective efforts!
A Growing Impact!
- In the past year, 331 individuals have been assessed by the social work department
- In the past year, 50 Individuals were assisted with their ID applications
- During 2024, 28 people have successfully transitioned into employment
- Since the conception of the Safe Space in March 2017, 117,557 bed spaces were
provided
Low Barrier Entry is the First Step to Healing
“We have seen all kinds of people walking through these doors, from all walks of life, but one thing they all have in common is, high levels of trauma,” Ilse says.
“Safe spaces are low barrier entry points. It must be. It is the first step in recovery. Therefore, a safe space programme or building is not enough. It is one part of the whole. Trauma directed interventions are crucial. Each person’s therapy plan looks different. It is not one size fits all.”
Future Forward: Phase Two
Recognising the ongoing needs of vulnerable individuals, MES Cape Town launched the 2nd Phase House in the past five years. This initiative provides further transitional accommodation, allowing beneficiaries to take the next step towards independence and self-sufficiency.
Additionally, the GROW Work Readiness Programme was introduced, equipping individuals with the necessary skills and opportunities to secure employment. The programme has already seen many success stories, with former beneficiaries finding long-term stability through work and training.
A Life Transformed: Gary’s Story
Gary is among those whose lives have been changed through The Safe Space.
A former beneficiary who is now an employee at MES, Gary explains how his life transformed:
“Being in the MES GIA Programme gave me a confidence boost, I could never speak to people. I was very reserved. MES showed me unconditional love, they saw me, who I was, they heard me. What inspired me to change was all the love and care different organisations gave to me, this inspired me to give back. I have been part of the MES team for just over 2 years, as a Care taker, caring for those who were once like me.”
A Call to Support NGOs
World NGO Day is about recognising the vital role that NGOs play in building stronger, more compassionate communities.
“The role of NGOs have always been a crucial one… from being the advocacy voice and service delivery organ during the time of Apartheid to the partners of Business, broader civil society and Business today,” says Ilse.
“NGOs are leading by practically showing how through collaboration, resources can stretch further, forces can be multiplied; more can be done with less. NGOs today are leading in areas of academics, community development and social justice advocacy. Long gone are the days of ‘charity’.
“Not for Profit organisations have a seat at the table by adding value to the economic and social fibre of the community though social enterprise initiatives, education and training, health services, etc. NGOs are not limited by being small or being big. We work in all areas, in all sizes. We serve because we are driven by a belief and a purpose. Always something greater than ourselves. Always to leave the world a little bit better than what we found it.”
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