Work with the city's street community

Working with the homeless community presents a complex mix of challenges and rewards. The streets are tough, and many people face addiction and criminal activity. This work requires a consistently soft heart despite the inevitable disappointments.

Yet, we also meet some of the most beautiful people—individuals who genuinely appreciate every act of kindness and are desperate for a helping hand. We are called to be those hands, and it's a privilege to share the love of Jesus with them.

Our work goes beyond simple food drop-offs. We use these opportunities to build relationships that lead to a deeper impact. Our street ministry team currently provides meaningful support in several key areas:

Substance Abuse Treatment: We help individuals access treatment for addiction.
Medical Care: We connect the homeless community with a reputable clinic and a doctor who treats each patient with dignity.
Maternal Care: We ensure pregnant women living on the streets receive proper pre- and postnatal care.
Family Reunification: We work with families to facilitate successful and lasting homecomings for willing individuals.
Second-Hand Clothing Store: We run a store where people can buy clothes for a nominal fee, giving them the dignity of choice.
Educational Programs: We run programs in schools and churches to share our knowledge and equip others to join our mission.

Every person on the streets was once an innocent child. They have a Father who loves them and wants them to be made whole. At LIFE CHANGER, our goal is to change lives—one person at a time.

The LIFE BOAT ProjecT

A life boat is a vessel that rescues people from a sinking ship and brings them to safety. Our LIFE BOAT project serves the same purpose: it's a place to help people transition from a life of crisis to one of independence, sobriety, and dignity.

We believe in offering a "hand up," not just a handout. While free food is appreciated, we've found that the homeless community in Pietermaritzburg is often more in need of friendship and connection than a meal.

Located at 7 Levy Street in the city center, our LIFE BOAT premises is a place where we can meet the many needs of our community's most vulnerable members. It's a safe space where individuals can:

Purchase clothing they've chosen with a voucher system, which can also be bought.
Get a haircut, an manicure, or a medical check-up.
Receive cooking lessons, create crafts, or participate in communal activities like Bible study, playing board games and shared meals

This space serves as our first point of contact, allowing us to build relationships and guide individuals toward more intentional rehabilitation and support, helping them re-establish themselves as valued members of society.

As one of our clients said, "You mean, there will be a place in the city where I will be treated like a human being for a few hours?"

Above - Example of Front and back of the LIFE BOAT voucher.