Durban Homelessness to Decent Work Outcomes Based Contract

Intervention

Social or environmental challenge

The program addresses a market failure in Durban, from a mismatch between the skills of the homeless population and the requirements of available jobs. Historically, South Africa has faced high unemployment rates, with figures around 30%. In urban areas like Durban, there's a demand for low-skilled jobs in sectors such as construction, retail, and services. However, these roles still require certain skills and a stable living situation, which many homeless individuals lack. The initiative aims to correct this inefficiency by providing skill training, vital services, and personalized support. By equipping the homeless with both hard and soft skills tailored to the local job market, and by fostering collaborations with local businesses, the program seeks to bridge the gap between the homeless and employment, addressing both the symptom and the root cause of the issue, benefiting not just the homeless, but also the communities in which they live.

Description of the intervention

Durban has been grappling with homelessness for many years. Covid made it worse. In June 2022, more than 16 000 homeless were found across eThekwini, of which approx. 5000 were in the inner-city. The main reason cited for homelessness is inability find and retain jobs.

The initiative is to explore innovative interventions, using wholistic approaches and an OBF structure, a first in Durban. The project will leverage the City's relationships with local businesses and community groups to build a robust support system together with Bridges's global expertise in designing and delivering programs reducing homelessness and increasing employment. Through skill training, vital services, and personalized support, homeless individuals are expected gain independence and decent employment.

Metrics are expected to be increase in employment rates, income, housing transitions, and self-sufficiency durations. The project anticipates delivering a program that can be scaled by the City.

The funding from the Accelerator will be used to cover part of the costs of the scoping study, local and international salaries, and limited travel. Remaining advisory costs are to be covered by the Cities Support Program of the National Treasury as part of ongoing programs.

Last data update

Data for this pipeline project was last updated in March 2024