12/10/2026
WORLD HOMELESS DAY 2026 – TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
What an incredible day of compassion, generosity and community spirit!
On Friday, 9 October, Essentially Edenvale Community Volunteers were proud to participate in the World Homeless Day event hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development at the Edenvale Rugby Grounds.
As an organisation actively involved in addressing homelessness in Edenvale, we see the challenges firsthand. We know the faces, hear the stories, and understand that helping people off the streets requires far more than a meal or a once-off intervention.
This event brought together government departments, NGOs, businesses and community organisations, all working towards one common goal – restoring dignity, identifying needs and connecting vulnerable people with meaningful support.
đź‘Ź A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE PARTNERS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS!
💚 Gauteng Department of Social Development, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development: Hon. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, City of Ekurhuleni and Ekurhuleni Homeless Forum - EHF – for bringing stakeholders together and supporting this important initiative in our community.
🏉 Ernie Enslin from Panthers Rugby Club – a heartfelt thank you for generously making the rugby field and facilities available to host the entire event. Your support provided the space for so many organisations to come together and make a difference!
💚 Manger Care Centre – a huge thank you for generously providing cooked meals for all beneficiaries and volunteers, ensuring everyone was fed throughout the day. Thank you also to your dedicated staff, volunteers and Skills and Economic Development team for your commitment and hard work.
💚 Gods Little Treasures, working alongside the The Child Guardian Unit – for reaching out to the women and children attending, engaging with them to understand their circumstances and identifying what further assistance and support could be offered. Thank you also for generously supplying bottled water!
💚 Edenvale Child Welfare – for generously providing cold drinks, 100 sandwiches and oranges to help feed and refresh those attending.
💚 Khanyisa Trust – for providing 150 sandwiches and bananas, adding to the meals and refreshments available on the day. Vuka Hub for sharing your skills upliftment programme.
💚 First4Daycare – for your generous donation of clothing and toiletries, helping us provide much-needed essentials to those attending.
💚 On the Wings of Angels () – thank you for joining this collective effort and showing your support for our vulnerable community.
💚 Pappa Ausie Cutz () – thank you for contributing your barbering skills and helping restore dignity and confidence through personal grooming.
💚 COBI Chaplain Emergency Response and Trauma Support, including Chaplain Obinna Abraham – thank you for your attendance, compassion and support for those facing difficult circumstances.
💚 South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) – thank you for attending and supporting vulnerable individuals through access to information and guidance on social assistance.
💚 Gauteng Provincial Government Mobile Shower Programme – thank you for providing shower facilities, helping attendees feel refreshed and restoring a sense of dignity.
💚 Gauteng Emergency Medical Services – thank you for your presence and support in making health-related assistance accessible on the day.
💚 Hanna Charity and Empowerment Foundation, Lesaka EasyPay, Hendrik De Klerk, Praesidium Security Services, Securitas Protection Service and The Bigg Pull Production – thank you for being part of this wonderful collaborative effort.
❤️ TO OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS!
A very special thank you to everyone who gave up their time to assist with completing survey forms, engaging with beneficiaries, sorting and distributing donations, Essentially Edenvale Community Volunteers cleaning up after the event, and donating clothing.
Every helping hand mattered, and every contribution, big or small, helped make the day a success!
đźšż From cooked meals, showers, haircuts, nail care and clean clothing to information stands, social assistance, healthcare and opportunities for further intervention, the day was about much more than providing immediate relief.
It was about listening, understanding individual circumstances and identifying practical ways to help people rebuild their lives.
THE EVENT MAY BE OVER, BUT THE REAL WORK CONTINUES!
Homelessness is a growing and complex crisis, and there are no quick fixes.
At Essentially Edenvale, we remain committed to working on the ground, engaging with those living on our streets and collaborating with organisations and government departments to find sustainable solutions.
Whether through rehabilitation, skills development, employment opportunities, family reunification or access to essential services, every positive step matters.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this event. It is only through collaboration, compassion, and continued commitment that we can begin to make a lasting difference.
🎥 We've put together a special video capturing some of the wonderful moments from the day, accompanied by our song "Be The Change". Turn up the volume and enjoy!** 🎶
🌍 BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE! 🌍
