Cape Town - The Haven Night Shelter is providing the homeless with more than just bed space and meals, but also offering employment to those who come from the street through a security program.
The Haven employed the services of Arch Angels Initiative to carry out security training for 36 homeless clients living at various Haven Shelters since the beginning of the year.
In January, 16 homeless persons participated in the course and in June another 20.
Chief Executive Officer of the Haven Night Shelter, Shaddie Valayadum, said that the security training was one of many opportunities created for clients to be employed.
“The Haven believes that no one should have to live on the street. In order to achieve this, the Haven needed to do more than just a bed, ID’s, meals and so forth. It needed to create more job opportunities through upskilling and equipping homeless people.
“The Haven is grateful to its donors for making this course possible. In July, two female clients, one a trained carer and the other a registered nurse, both signed permanent jobs through the Haven. The Haven will ensure the continuum of care for six to nine months.”
Valayadum said that before the homeless people can participate in the security training program, they needed to go through a screening process with a social worker, have police clearance and not be using any substances.
“ Reunification is at the pinnacle of what we aim to achieve. Reunification is successful when the clients have jobs. In this way, they are self-sufficient and do not have to rely on family to take care of them.
“We are hoping that with this method, we can stop the revolving door and have more people off the street permanently,” said Valayadum.
Langelihle Nyangenie, 25, said he was homeless when he arrived in Cape Town from KwaZulu-Natal to seek employment. He was part of the first batch of trainees and was employed as an admin clerk at a security company. and later promoted to shift manager.
Nyangenie said, “I was homeless and the night shelter took me in. At this point I am very happy, the company sent me for further training which I am currently completing. I was able to get a place to rent and managed to move my family to live in Cape Town.
“I am so grateful because I did not even pay a cent, everything from the food, training and clothes was free.”
Giovanni Rossi, the Director at Arch Angel Initiatives, said that the participants in the program received a diverse range of training tailored to their needs, and the demands of the job market.
These include CCTV Controller, First Aid (Level 1 - 2 and First Responder), Firearms Training (Accredited by SAPS and PFTC) and Armed Response Training.
Participants are then employed in key areas including security services (armed response and general security roles), technical roles such as CCTV monitoring and First Aid and emergency response positions.
Rossi explained: “We tailor job placements to match the skills and interests of each participant, ensuring they find fulfilling and sustainable employment. We at Arch Angel Initiatives are deeply committed to supporting our community and believe that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives.
“Partnering with local shelters to provide employment opportunities for homeless individuals aligns perfectly with our mission of empowerment and transformation. By offering these opportunities, we not only help individuals gain financial stability but also restore their dignity and self-worth. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive impact this initiative has on both the participants and the broader community.”
He said the response from participants was overwhelmingly positive.
“Many have expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to learn new skills and gain employment. They appreciate the supportive environment and the practical, hands-on training that Arch Angel Initiatives provides.
“Participants often highlight the boost in confidence and hope that comes with being given a second chance.”
He added that Arch Angel Initiatives had a comprehensive approach of both facilitating the programme and assisting with job placements. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive certificates that are recognized by the relevant authorities and industry bodies.