About us
Elim Night Shelter is Christian based non-profit organisation. Its doors were officially opened on the 2nd of September 1997. Loretta Napier, a member of the Goodwood Presbyterian Church started a soup kitchen for the homeless in the surrounding areas. This initiative led to the launching of the night shelter. Shelters play an important role in the communities they serve. They provide temporary shelter, safety and relief from the exposure to the elements as well as decreasing the effect of homelessness on the community's environment.
Our Mission
Elim’s mission is to take individuals through the process of assessment and rehabilitation with the ultimate goal of successful re-integration into society. To this end, Elim provides:
Overnight sleeping accommodation,
Meals,
Ablution facilities,
Social work services,
Employment seeking assistance and more.
Let's change the world together, one life at a time.
Our Testimonials
"Good day all, as a ex resident of Elim night shelter I would just like to thank Pa Shafeek and Ma Liza and all the supervisors and social workers for everything they have done for me 😁. The experience there was amazing !! I miss all of you"
Andre Coetzee
Former Resident
Elim has a special place in my heart. In 2014, I walked through the gates seeking shelter. Due to deep depression, a traumatic childhood and a series of bad choices, I had been on the streets for close to a year.
At the time I was also in an abusive relationship. Through the love, spiritual, overall guidance and faith in my recovery by the house parents (Liza and Shafeek Ortell) and the social worker (Andrit Jeneke), I was able to embark on the healing process and gradually embraced a second chance at life. Today, I am a married woman with a family of my own, working towards a lifelong dream of becoming a professional author and content writer. None of this was even remotely possible without God’s helping hands at Elim Night Shelter.
Tamara Gilowey
Author & Content Writer
Upon arriving at Elim, I was filled with so much brokenness, sadness, rejection, anger directed at my family and myself. As time progressed, I assisted wherever I could. That coupled with counselling, determination and the grace of God, I was able to heal. I was able to start an arts and crafts business, qualified as a trauma counsellor as well as designated as relief manager at Elim. I believe that we are not victims of the our past but pioneers of our future.
