HOPE IN CHRIST CARE IN ACTION
South AfriCARES is a Christ-centered community outreach movement dedicated to uplifting, impacting, and bringing hope to the most destitute, desperate, and forgotten members of society. This includes vulnerable women, children, and families across Cape Town. Through practical support, food relief, crisis care, and compassion-led ministry, we bring the love of Jesus directly to the people and places that need Him most. Our mission is simple: to be His hands and feet, to restore hope, to be the salt and light in our communities, and to reflect His heart in every act of care.
320% INCREASE
Homelessness in South Africa has grown dramatically over the past few decades. According to Statistics South Africa, the number of homeless persons increased from 13,135 in 1996 to 55,719 in 2022 – an increase of more than 320%.
80%
Nationally, around 80% of homeless persons in South Africa are “roofless”, meaning they sleep outdoors or in makeshift spaces, while only about 20% are in shelters or temporary accommodation. This highlights how many people are still living completely exposed
12%
In Cape Town, government and research estimates indicate that there are over 14,000 people experiencing homelessness, compared to roughly 3,500–3,600 shelter beds available. Cape Town alone accounts for around 12% of South Africa’s total recorded homeless population.
Caring For The Destitute & Forgotten One Life At A Time
BLESSINGS IN A BAG
Blessings in a Bag is a Christ-led initiative birthed during the height of the 2020 pandemic — a season when so many women across Cape Town were silently suffering without basic necessities or emotional support. God placed a simple yet deeply impactful idea on our Founder Mariolise Williams heart: Every woman has a handbag she no longer uses.
Every handbag can become a vessel of hope. Through Blessings in a Bag, we invite women, companies, churches, and community groups to partner with us by donating gently used handbags filled with essential items such as deodorant, lotion, toiletries, sanitary care, hair products, and a small luxury treat. These bags become personal care packs that remind vulnerable and destitute women that they are seen, valued, and loved. Since 2020, this initiative has grown into one of South AfriCARES’ most cherished outreach programs. Each filled handbag becomes a tangible expression of the love of Jesus — restoring dignity, lifting spirits, and bringing hope to women in shelters, on the streets, and in crisis.
MEALS OF MERCY
At South AfriCARES, Meals of Mercy is more than just feeding the homeless
— it is a ministry of dignity, compassion, and excellence. Every meal we prepare is cooked with the same care and quality we would serve our own families. We use fresh ingredients, nutritious vegetables, and good proteins because every person — no matter their circumstances — deserves food that honours their humanity.We do not “just feed people.”
We serve them with excellence, because excellence honours God.
Whether we are preparing a pot of warm food, sandwiches, fruit packs, or full nourishing meals, we make sure that everything is prepared with love, cleanliness, and intentional care. Many of the men, women, and children we serve haven’t had a freshly cooked meal in days — sometimes weeks. For them, a warm, well-prepared meal becomes a moment of hope, dignity, and reminder that Christ has not forgotten them Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
THE GOSPEL IN ACTION
Doing what Jesus commissioned us to do.
At South AfriCARES, we dart into the streets of Cape Town to do exactly what Jesus commanded — to share the Gospel with the destitute, the forgotten, and every person God places across our path. We meet people in their lowest, darkest places to remind them that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that His light can break through even the deepest pit.
We pray with people, speak hope, hand out Bibles, sing, dance, and simply pour out the love and joy of the Lord. Every street corner becomes an altar. Every conversation becomes a divine appointment. Every encounter is an opportunity for God to turn someone’s mess into a message.
This is the Gospel in action — meeting people where they are, and leading them to the One who can transform their story forever.
✝️ What We Believe
Our foundation is Christ — our mission is His love in action.
South AfriCARES stands firmly on the unshakable truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior, the Son of God, who walked the earth, died for the sins of all humanity, rose again on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. We believe He is coming back again soon.
We believe in the Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three in One, working together in perfect unity.
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, our final authority for life, truth, identity, and purpose.
Every act of care, every meal, every bag, every prayer, and every outreach is rooted in this foundation:
Jesus Christ changes lives, restores hope, heals hearts, and brings light into the darkest places.
At South AfriCARES, we exist to reflect His love, carry His message, and be His hands and feet in our communities.
John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the lifE”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord”
Luke 1:45
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others…”
Nicole is one of the young single moms who is a part of a little bush community, This single mom needed our help with her newborn baby and received a pram and baby clothes and baby essentials for baby Katlyn. We also managed to collect clothing for the older kiddies in the camp. See gallery on our testimonies page. We have been pouring into the woman and children (and men) of this Bush Community for a few years. They are grateful when we visit.
Thank you to our sponsors and all Glory to Jesus Christ!
LETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
We’d love to connect with you, pray with you, or partner with you in our mission to bring the heart of Jesus to the streets of Cape Town. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, collaborate, or simply want to reach out, our team is here for you.