For many displaced individuals, the path to stability and self-sufficiency can seem daunting. However, Cross the Divide is changing this by creating opportunities for growth, particularly through entrepreneurship. This inspiring initiative offers people a chance to earn an income and begin the journey of transitioning back into society with dignity and independence.
One of the program’s success stories is Riaad, who found himself unemployed and struggling to make ends meet at the start of the year. Each Tuesday, he began visiting Cross the Divide’s outreach at God First Church in Parkhurst. Open at 9:00 AM, this welcoming space provides showers, laundry facilities, meals, and vital support with essential documentation, all designed to assist those facing significant life challenges. But Cross the Divide doesn’t stop there; its team is dedicated to fostering long-term change by giving people the tools they need to build sustainable income streams.
As the year progressed, the organisation introduced an initiative allowing beneficiaries to buy quality clothing at a reduced price, a move aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship. Riaad saw this as an opportunity not only to support himself but also to create a small business. “I used this opportunity to generate some income for myself,” he shares. “At first, I started with one client, but over time, it grew to five individuals who bought clothes from me weekly.”
With each sale, Riaad was able to make a modest profit, allowing him to cover daily essentials like toiletries and meals—essentials that make a big difference to someone rebuilding their life. “Since I began purchasing clothes regularly, I’ve seen a steady increase in profit,” Riaad says. “If I bought clothes for R100, I would make a profit of around R200 to R250. On weeks when I could invest R500, my profit would be closer to R300 or even R350, depending on what was available.” He quickly learned that items like jeans, shoes, and sportswear had higher resale value, and he began to reinvest his earnings to continue growing his business.
The impact of Cross the Divide’s initiative goes beyond financial assistance; it instills confidence and hope. For Riaad and others like him, the chance to start a business represents more than income—it’s a lifeline and a bridge back to society. “I know it’s just a small start, but it’s helping me get by,” he reflects. “My hope is that this can grow even larger and branch out to more than just selling clothing. One day, I want to leave homelessness and unemployment behind and be fully self-sufficient.”
This is the heart of Cross the Divide’s mission: to empower displaced individuals by creating pathways to self-reliance and economic participation. Through innovative programs that nurture budding entrepreneurs, Cross the Divide is helping transform lives and communities, one success story at a time.
Get Involved: Support Cross the Divide’s Mission to Empower
At Cross the Divide, every donation and volunteer hour makes a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking a path to stability and self-reliance. By contributing, you’re helping displaced individuals like Riaad transform their lives, providing them with the resources, skills, and hope needed to build a sustainable future.
Whether it’s funding essential services, donating clothes for our entrepreneurial initiatives, or volunteering your time, your involvement will have a lasting impact.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate here to support Cross the Divide’s programs, or contact Dianne Webb at 082 854 2583 or info@crossdivide.org.za to sign up to volunteer and join us in creating meaningful change for our community.
