About Us
South Africa has one of the world's highest unemployment rates, leaving many young people vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, gang involvement, and addiction. The Uplifting the Homeless Project supports people experiencing homelessness by helping them rebuild their lives through a structured, skills-based rehabilitation program that has been developed over the past 25 years.
This Christian faith-based program promotes participants' emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, and social development. The rehabilitation journey typically takes between 18 and 36 months and is divided into four phases:
- Homeless Support Centre – Provides essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene facilities.
- Rehabilitation – Offers therapy, rehabilitation services, and safe accommodation.
- Work Readiness – Participants receive job training, work experience, life skills coaching, therapy, and support through a range of social enterprises.
- Independent Employment – Graduates secure employment, join peer support groups, and continue receiving follow-up support as they transition to independent living.
Over the past five years, 80% of participants have remained sober and employed, while more than 70% have maintained stable housing.
The project also operates several social enterprises that provide practical training, work experience, and employment opportunities for people transitioning out of homelessness. Volunteers play an important role in supporting these initiatives, which include:
- Charity shops
- Web development services
- Endemic nursery and sustainable gardening programs
- Mi-Change Vouchers, supporting essential services, rehabilitation, and community assistance
Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience.
The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
- We are an independent, locally based provider offering 24-hour support in Cape Town.
- We support only meaningful, sustainable, and impactful organizations and projects that are carefully selected.
- We help volunteers create a positive impact while gaining valuable cultural exchange and personal development experiences.
- Our project information is detailed, accurate, and regularly updated.
- We are a passionate team of professionals dedicated to creating meaningful volunteer experiences.
- We provide a safe, organized, and supportive environment for all our volunteers.
By joining this project, you will support people experiencing homelessness as they work toward rebuilding their lives through rehabilitation, skills development, and employment readiness. Volunteers play an important role in restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity while encouraging lasting positive change.
Volunteers receive a comprehensive orientation, work alongside experienced project staff, and gain a rewarding experience by contributing their skills, collaborating as part of a team, and building meaningful friendships.
Requirements
Please ensure that you arrive on a Sunday and depart on a Saturday.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and have an intermediate level of English (B1/B1+).
Working hours are typically:
- Full-day volunteering: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Afternoon-only volunteering: Approximately 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Volunteers should have a positive attitude, a genuine desire to serve others, and a commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect. Reliability, compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to learn are essential. We encourage volunteers to take initiative, contribute their own ideas, and actively participate as valued members of the team.
To enroll in the program, volunteers must provide:
- Enrollment form
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Passport copy
- Proof of medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
Volunteer experience
Working hours are typically 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, while afternoon-only volunteering takes place from approximately 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Evenings and weekends are generally free.
Volunteer responsibilities vary depending on the needs of the organization and your skills and experience. You may assist at the charity shops, nursery, and other project facilities in and around Claremont. Transportation to other project sites and social enterprises within Cape Town is organized and included by the project.
A typical day may include:
- 8:30 – 9:30: Assist with motivational discussions and devotions.
- 9:30 – 11:00: Participate in the Ignite motivational session.
- 11:00 – 12:00: Help prepare lunch.
- 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch break.
- 1:30 – 3:00: Support the voucher-earning program, where participants take part in community clean-up activities.
- 2:00 – 4:00: Assist with project activities at the charity shop and support people experiencing homelessness.
- 4:00: Supper.
- 4:00 – 5:00: Help with general project duties.
On your first day, you will receive a comprehensive orientation from the Good Hope Volunteers team before beginning your placement.
The program fee starts from €676 for a 2-week volunteer placement.
Volunteers stay at the Volunteer House, a private residence located in the upmarket suburb of Newlands. The house offers twin bedrooms with single beds, and volunteers are typically accommodated in shared twin rooms. Single room upgrades are available upon request, subject to availability.
The house features four shared bathrooms, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with a TV and DVD player, and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the house, and a private safe is provided for storing valuables.
Bedding is included; however, towels are not provided. Bedrooms are cleaned weekly, and a washing machine is available for volunteer use. Laundry tokens can be purchased separately.
- The accommodation is self-catering, with a fully equipped communal kitchen available for volunteers to prepare their own meals.
- Main shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and other amenities are within walking distance of the accommodation.
- Lunch is provided on weekdays while volunteering at the project, subject to availability.
Together with other volunteers and language students from Good Hope Studies, you can participate in the Social Club's entertainment program. A variety of organized events, outings, and tours take place on most evenings and weekends, providing a great opportunity to explore Cape Town and meet fellow participants.
Some of the popular activities regularly offered include:
- Blue Bird Market (every Friday evening)
- Water sports and beach activities
- Cape Point & Boulders Beach
- Table Mountain
- Hermanus and whale watching
- Bo-Kaap cultural visit
- Historical museums and art galleries, including the District Six Museum, Jewish Meuseum
- Natural History Museum
- Safari experiences and Garden Route weekend trips
- Hiking adventures
- Robben Island
- Stellenbosch and wine tasting
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Please note that these activities usually incur an additional cost and may require extra transportation arrangements.
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