Snippets from Streetscapes’ latest newsletter
Waste not: Restaurant scraps become jobs and compost
Managing organic waste efficiently in Cape Town’s restaurant scene has long been a challenge. Streetscapes’ new composting project offers a smart solution, turning food waste into valuable compost while creating jobs.
Streetscapes client Alfonso Petersen leads this initiative, which has already diverted nearly five tons of organic waste from landfills. “This project is about giving people like me a second chance,” says Alfonso. “We’re not just reducing waste; we’re creating opportunities.”
Wilma, owner of New York Bagel, one of the project’s partners, adds, “We’ve reduced our waste from four bins a day to less than one. It’s incredible.”
Alfonso Peterson: Streetscapes graduate leads composting project
Alfonso Peterson joined Streetscapes in August 2023 after experiencing life on the streets, Alfonso found more than just shelter—he discovered a path to a new life.
“I felt lost and alone after my grandmother passed away,” Alfonso recalls. “Streetscapes offered me a lifeline through their Phase 1 housing programme. It was more than just a roof over my head; it was a safe space to rebuild.”
At Streetscapes, Alfonso rediscovered his passion for gardening, a skill instilled by his grandparents. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Within a few months, he was promoted to assistant supervisor and later transferred to the Trafalgar site.
Alfonso innovatively proposed the idea for the composting project. Today, as the master compost maker, he’s not just creating rich soil—he’s cultivating hope and opportunity for others like him.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come,” Alfonso reflects. “I’ve worked hard to turn my life around, and it’s amazing to see the progress I’ve made.”
Clean Streets: Public Toilets Project Expands
Since June 2022, Streetscapes has partnered with the City of Cape Town Improvement District (CCID) to operate public toilet facilities in the city centre.
What began as a pilot with two sites has now grown to five locations, serving both citizens and tourists while providing important facilities for those experiencing homelessness.
Kally Benito from the CCID shares, “This collaboration has not only provided essential hygiene facilities in the CBD but has also fostered strong social outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.”
Eco laundry: Clean clothes, cleaner future
Streetscapes’ Eco Laundry has seen significant growth and improvement recently. The addition of energy-efficient tumble dryers and new services like steam ironing have expanded the laundry’s capabilities. Tarren Faro, who now runs the facility, has doubled the turnover in just two months.
Stephanie Morris, a senior lecturer at Mercer University, comments: “I am thrilled to see the progress of the eco laundry facility at Streetscapes. The quick addition of the dryer after student research and recommendation is a testament to Streetscape’s commitment to the eco laundry project.”
Tarren adds, “I’ve learned valuable skills in laundry services through Streetscapes. I’ve learned to persevere, be resilient, and be determined.”
Tarren Faro: A fresh start
Tarren Faro’s life took an unexpected turn at 16 when she became a wife and mother. By 23, she was widowed and homeless after disputes over her late husband’s estate.
“Losing my husband was devastating,” Tarren recalls. “But losing our home felt like losing a part of myself.”
Struggling to find stable housing, Tarren often sought safety on the streets near police stations. During this time, she also endured an abusive relationship, further complicating her situation.
A turning point came when Tarren met Khosi, who introduced her to Streetscapes. The organization first placed her in their garden, but the physical demands proved challenging. Recognizing her needs, Streetscapes then offered Tarren a position at their laundry service on Roeland Street.
For the past year, Tarren has worked at the laundry, where her day starts at 7:30 AM. She sorts, washes, dries, and irons clothes for both homeless clients and walk-in customers. This job has provided Tarren with structure and purpose. “I’ve learned valuable skills in laundry services through Streetscapes,” Tarren says. “I’ve learned to persevere, be resilient, and be determined.”
Streetscapes’ support extended beyond employment. We initially housed Tarren in Observatory for six months, allowing her to transition to independent living in Delft. We also connected her with mentors like Mamzoli and social worker Anitta, who have been instrumental in her progress.
While managing her work responsibilities, Tarren is actively working to reunite with her children, currently under social services care. She has also participated in our counseling and support groups when her schedule allows.
The laundry service where Tarren works uses a sustainable water system, collecting and purifying rainwater. It serves both paying customers and those experiencing homelessness, charging R20 per kilogram for laundry and offering showers.
Through her work with us at Streetscapes, Tarren has developed job readiness skills crucial for maintaining independent living. She emphasizes the importance of social enterprises that support both paying customers and those experiencing homelessness. “Streetscapes changed my life for the better,” Tarren affirms, reflecting on her journey from homelessness to steady employment and independent living.
Fresh Opportunities at Fresh Solutions
Food production company Fresh Solutions has become a key partner in Streetscapes’ mission to create pathways to employment.
The company now exclusively hires Streetscapes agents for casual work in their pack house facility, replacing their reliance on labour brokers.
“The first group of Streetscapes agents made such a strong, positive impression on us,” says Jenine from Fresh Solutions. “Their commitment and attitude left a lasting mark on our team.”
Swing, serve, support: Donate prizes to our upcoming Padel tournament!
We’re organising a special Streetscapes Padel tournament this November and we need your help!
If you or someone in your network can donate prizes for the tournament, please reach out. Each player will pay R250, with all proceeds going to Streetscapes.
We’re also collecting second-hand clothes and sports equipment. Your support will make a difference—let’s come together to make this event a success!
Streetscapes Online Shop!
Please visit our website www.streetscapes.org.za/shop and have a look!
Streetscapes Market Days
Join us on the 5th of October as we hold our monthly market at our Vredehoek gardens.
We will be there from 10am until 2pm and will have the following produce on sale:
- Honey Raw & Unfiltered
- Free Range Eggs
- Seedlings
- Pot Plants
- Organic Produce from the Gardens and Farm
- Jams and preserves
- Second hand clothing sales that has been recrafted and repaired by our clients.
Please check out our Facebook page for further information!
If you found our newsletter interesting…
If you found our newsletter interesting and entertaining, please consider passing it on to people you know who would appreciate gaining a greater insight into the plight of the homeless, and the positive change that Streetscapes, as well as other organisations, are making to transform the unhomed into valued, productive members of our society.
Together, we definitely make a difference!
You can visit our website to be included in our mailing list at streetscapes.org.za
Or you can email us at: info@streetscapes.org.za, and we’ll do the rest!