HEALING HANDS COMMUNITY PROJECT

Healing Hands Community Project (HHCP) has been one of Nelson Mandela Bay's most trusted community safety nets since 2010. What began as a single soup kitchen responding to poverty in Central and North End has grown over 15 years into a multi-programme organisation reaching across multiple communities throughout the metro. In 2025, they mark their 15th anniversary with a bold shift: moving beyond emergency relief toward a fully integrated Night Shelter and Gender-Based Violence Crisis Centre — a permanent, coordinated solution to GBV and homelessness in Gqeberha.

Their 75% successful reintegration rate speaks to an approach that goes far beyond short-term help — they believe in walking with people from crisis all the way to stability and independence.

What They Offer Survivors

GBV Shelter — Extended, Dignified Stays Healing Hands provides residential shelter specifically for women and children who have left home due to gender-based violence. Critically, they reject the typical 3–4 week shelter limit — recognising that this is not nearly enough time for most survivors to establish safety, access legal protection, and plan a sustainable next step. Residents stay as long as they genuinely need to. All faiths are welcome, with no religious conditions attached to accessing the shelter.

Order of Protection Support Healing Hands supports GBV survivors in obtaining their Protection Orders — one of the most important legal tools available to a survivor — and works to ensure women are settled and safe before they are required to move on. Transport is also provided to GBV victims as needed.

Crisis Response HHCP has deployed rapid response during every major community crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay since 2010 — from natural disasters to community emergencies. They are embedded in the community deeply enough to respond when other services cannot.

Community Health Outreach (8 Districts) Weekly community health programmes reach eight districts across Nelson Mandela Bay — providing essential healthcare access to vulnerable and isolated patients, including women and children in areas with limited clinic access.

Food Security — 10,000+ Meals Annually The organisation serves over 10,000 meals per year through community feeding programmes. If you or your children are struggling with food security in the Gqeberha area, their programme is available to the broader community.

Skills Training and Youth Employment Structured skills development and employment pathways help residents and community youth move toward economic independence — from receiving support to building a future.

Partnerships with Government and Civic Institutions HHCP works in close collaboration with SAPS, the Department of Social Development, local schools, churches, health facilities, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality — ensuring survivors are properly referred and receive continuity of care across the system.

Integrated Night Shelter and GBV Crisis Centre (Flagship Initiative) As part of their 15th anniversary milestone, HHCP is building a fully integrated Night Shelter and GBV Crisis Centre — a permanent facility combining shelter, crisis care, skills development, and long-term support under one roof. This will be the most significant GBV infrastructure investment in their 15-year history.

Healing Hands serves Nelson Mandela Bay (Gqeberha). WhatsApp 068 701 6168 or email hi@healinghandscp.co.za to access support.