Strengths-based services offered to the homeless by non-governmental and faith-based organisations in Tshwane Region Three, South Africa

Homelessness is a global phenomenon that is escalating for economic, social, structural and political reasons. Many organisations render services to the homeless in the inner city of Tshwane (Region Three), but these services have not been explored. This article discusses a qualitative research study focusing on the social services rendered to the homeless in Tshwane Region Three. Beneficiaries of the services include men, women and children. Individual, family, group and community services are rendered. Services focus on basic needs, skills training and socio-emotional needs and are rendered from a strengths perspective. Research results indicate that the homeless are often involved in planning, assessing and implementing services. Service-rendering may be hindered by poor funding opportunities and ignorance of service providers regarding the content of policies and guiding documents. The lack of coordinated efforts can be ascribed to unawareness about the services rendered by other organisations. Recommendations include fostering collaboration between the government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs). Specific policy related to the homeless must be formulated to guide service providers to provide a legislative framework for funding, service delivery and the development of training and financing for staff and volunteers of NGOs.Keywords: homelessness; social services; strengths perspective; developmental welfare approac