The residential care programme of MES not only addresses one of the most basic human rights to shelter, but also provides a comprehensive platform of support to the homeless community that complements the skills development programmes which they utilise as part of their journey towards sustainability.

There are 3 types of residential care within MES, each providing support during the different stages of the skills development programme:

1. First Phase (Bridging accommodation)

Accommodation is provided to students new off from the streets who are undergoing their psycho social assessments through the centralised assessment centre, attending interventions for substance abuse and who are enrolled in life skills programmes. The part of the programme ensures the thorough preparation of the beneficiary before they commence to the formal skills development programme, as well as establishing the beneficiary’s care plan plan that gives direction to their individual development plan and interventions needed.

2. Second Phase (Formal skills development)

Accommodation is provided to students who have progressed to the formal training that includes a life skills phase and a specialisation phase. Residential care is also provided to learners who are on learnership and internship programmes as well as bursary programmes with higher learning institutions.

3. Third Phase (Follow-up and exit)

On completion of the vocational skills training the beneficiary is linked to the job placement department in the skills development programme. During this time the beneficiary is assisted to find employment and once employed, residential care is continued for a period of 3 months. This will assist the newly employed youth to source affordable accommodation in the inner city and save for a deposit, and other necessities for independent living (beds, cutlery etc) Throughout the whole skills development and residential care programme, beneficiaries have access to intervention programmes according to their individual development plan. This can include social work interventions, family preservation programmes, support and empowerment groups, counselling and the provision of basic needs. Each beneficiary is assigned to a youth care worker who monitors their progress along with the case manager