The Housing Problem in South Africa

One in five people living in South Africa’s cities live in a ‘shack’. An informal house, meant to be a temporary solution whilst waiting for the government to provide a formal house. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people have been waiting for decades. This means that millions of people don’t have a secure roof over their head or a safe structure to protect their families from the elements and from crime. The negative physical and emotional effects are profound, but together, we can help change that.

The Solution: Project Bayit

Project Bayit helps people with means, to fund or co-finance an upgraded home for those that are under-resourced. The project is a collaboration between 2 social change organisations, Mensch and Ikhayalami, with the support of Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

Who’s Involved?

Mensch is a South African Jewish NGO that empowers the Jewish community to co-create positive change for all in South Africa. Mensch has forged a network of Jewish social entrepreneurs and works with these individuals and organisations to provide practical ways for people to ‘give back’ and improve the lives of those we live amongst.

Ikhayalami is a Mensch Network Member, a non-profit company that has developed affordable technical solutions to upgrade informal housing in South Africa’s townships. The homes they build are safe, strong, and resistant to fire, flooding, and break-ins which are sadly a common occurrence.

How your donation will help

To date Project Bayit has upgraded over 80 homes in Cape Town, vastly improving the lives of more than 250 people. Your donation in honour of Sofia and Brett’s wedding will ensure that we can continue help to provide safe, warm and dignified homes to those who need them most.

For more information about Project Bayit go to: www.mensch.org.za/projectbayit