Bloem Shelter

Bloem Shelter is a Bloemfontein institution — a Christian NPO founded by Mr Izak Botes to provide shelter and transformation for homeless people across the full spectrum of need: women, women with children, men, elderly persons, and frail individuals. Two separate shelters in the Hilton suburb serve different populations — a women's shelter on Raymond Mahlaba Street and a men's shelter on the corner of Gruis and Lombard Street — ensuring both genders have access to dignified, gender-appropriate care.

Bloem Shelter has been a formal partner of the University of the Free State's Service Learning programme — with UFS medical and health sciences students providing health assessments and education to residents. They were nominated for the Bloemfontein Organisation of the Year in 2012.

What They Offer Survivors and Homeless Residents

Residential Shelter — Women, Women with Children, Elderly, Frail, and Men Two registered shelter facilities in Hilton, Bloemfontein, provide safe, structured residential accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. Women and children are housed separately from men, ensuring appropriate safety and dignity for each group.

Children's Education and Development Children living at the women's shelter attend playgroups for early development and local schools for primary and secondary education. Bloem Shelter guides older children to pursue further qualifications after matric — recognising that breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness requires investment in the next generation.

ABET — Adult Matric Completion For adults who never completed school, Bloem Shelter provides access to ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training) — giving residents the opportunity to earn their matric qualification as a foundation for future employment.

Computer Training Computer training is available to residents — building digital literacy and employability skills that are essential in the modern economy.

Life Skills Course — Holistic Personal Development A comprehensive Life Skills course addresses the whole person — developing emotional health, spiritual wellbeing, practical life skills, and the resilience to rebuild after crisis. The course explicitly addresses emotional and spiritual healing as well as practical recovery.

Creative Craft Workshops Craft workshops stimulate creativity, build fine motor skills, and provide a meaningful, therapeutic activity — one that can also generate income for skilled participants.

Bible Study and Discipleship Faith-based Bible study and discipleship courses are offered to residents who wish to participate — forming a community of spiritual support and personal growth.

UFS Medical Service Learning — Health Assessments Through a partnership with the University of the Free State, medical and health sciences students provide health assessments and education to shelter residents — bringing healthcare access directly to one of Bloemfontein's most underserved populations.

Bloem Shelter has two sites in Hilton, Bloemfontein. Contact founder Izak Botes: izak@bloemshelter.co.za or +27 82 463 5916. Full website at bloemshelter.co.za.