In a world marked by staggering numbers, it’s easy to overlook the human faces behind the statistics. We often hear that approximately two percent of the world’s population is homeless, a seemingly small figure. But when we delve into the reality, it equates to a staggering 154 million people living on the streets, in temporary shelters, refugee camps, and other transient, often perilous conditions. Homelessness is a global crisis, but its true extent often remains hidden from view.

While rough sleeping is the most visible aspect of homelessness, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The majority of those without a place to call home experience what’s known as “hidden homelessness.” They live out of sight, residing in hostels, squats, B&Bs, and various forms of temporary accommodation. Some sofa surf, relying on friends or family for a place to stay. Despite having a roof over their heads, these individuals are classified as homeless because they lack access to safe, secure, and stable housing of their own.

Home is more than four walls, it is more than just a roof over your head; it’s a sanctuary of safety, tranquillity, and comfort, a place to call your own. Living in a B&B, sleeping on someone’s floor, or staying in a hostel denies people their privacy and the chance to feel secure. This is the core issue that the EatOut Movement, a charitable organization in Zimbabwe, is dedicated to confronting head-on.

Speaking to the faces behind EatOut Movement, there is no denying that challenges are astronomical, and they require the intervention of all players in society big or small, from the government to business and the civic society, it is a fight that requires massive mobilisation of resources.

Elevation caught up with Mr Henry Chigama, Founder and CEO of EatOut Movement at his offices in Belgravia, Harare, his eyes gleam with unwavering determination as he articulates the dire straits of the streets, where the swell of displaced youth, women, and children is becoming an increasingly distressing sight. “Our streets are becoming a sorry site,” he laments, highlighting the staggering daily increase in those without a place to call home. “The lack of resources is an apparent obstacle,” he confides, underscoring the profound challenges they face. Undeterred, he emphasizes the importance of meticulously assessing the needs of homeless individuals, ensuring their aid aligns with their most urgent necessities.

Conversing with Mrs. Patience Chigwida, the programme Director of EatOut Movement, one is immediately struck by her unwavering dedication to safeguarding the dignity of the vulnerable, particularly the girl child. Amidst the bustling backdrop of the homeless community, her maternal embrace extends to countless young girls who find solace and support in her compassionate presence. A radiant smile adorns her face as she emphasizes the critical role of donors in providing crucial support, especially for women in dire need of basic necessities such as sanitary wear. Her warmth is palpable as she intertwines her fingers with those of a young mother, epitomising the spirit of solidarity and empathy that defines the essence of the EatOut Movement.

Who is EatOut Movement?

The EatOut Movement is a Trust, registered as EatOut Movement Trust MA1987/2020, and was founded in 2017 with a singular vision: ending homelessness in Zimbabwe. The journey began in Harare, and the movement has since expanded its efforts to Bulawayo. Their approach is as simple as it is powerful: reduce homelessness one life at a time.

One of the pivotal moments in the EatOut Movement’s history was the CEO EatOut initiative, which debuted in 2018. It involved setting up and operating a pop-up fine dining restaurant where CEOs and top-level management from local companies served the homeless a meal. But it didn’t stop there; before the meal, the homeless community in Harare received a haircut, a shower, clean clothes, counselling, legal aid services, and a general health check.

Following the resounding success of the inaugural EatOut event, the movement has experienced exponential growth in both support and reach. They’ve held a second CEO EatOut event and led numerous sustainable projects with homeless communities. It’s all about involving those affected by homelessness in developing solutions to the problem. The organisation mobilizes financial, technological, and human resources. They encourage the business community through their Corporate Social Responsibility programs to raise awareness and resources for homeless communities in Zimbabwe. Collaboration with governments, world leaders, individuals, corporations, and NGOs forms the core of their mission, these partners are their “FORCES 4 GOOD.”

Beyond awareness,  EatOut Movement believes in improving attitudes towards homelessness and eradicating associated stigmatization through research, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. Understanding how best to approach homelessness is essential to both those facing the challenge and society at large. They work tirelessly to mobilize resources for sustainable interventions and to influence policies.

Rehousing is just the beginning. The EatOut Movement rescues, rehabilitates, and reintegrates homeless individuals back into society through economic empowerment and psychosocial support. Basic skills training helps them access employment opportunities, making them self-sustainable, working with forward-thinking organisations, EatOut Movement managed to enroll homeless people in skills centres and some of which ended up getting employed.

“Charity handouts are a temporary fix. EatOut Movement believes in disrupting the “business as usual” approach to homelessness”

The organisation recognizes the importance of psychosocial support and mental health services. Homelessness often exacerbates mental health issues, leading to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The EatOut Movement aims to provide a helping hand in these aspects too through collaborating with various partners & government departments and like-minded organisations. These partnerships are crucial to the fight against homelessness, together, we will offer skills training, rehabilitation, and advocacy, and create a holistic approach to address homelessness issues.

Charity handouts are a temporary fix. EatOut Movement believes in disrupting the “business as usual” approach to homelessness. By creating profit-driven social enterprises, they aim to provide sustainable, global solutions to homelessness, one person at a time.

The Chisepe Hub: A Lighthouse of Hope, The EatOut Movement’s ambitious project.

Nestled in the heart of Murehwa, the Chisepe Hub, the brainchild of the EatOut Movement, is poised to become a bustling nexus of opportunity and transformation. More than a mere architectural marvel, this upcoming project embodies the ethos of compassion, resilience, and community empowerment, serving as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and the destitute.

A Multifaceted Haven: The Chisepe Hub is set to serve as a multifunctional sanctuary, seamlessly intertwining various elements to address the diverse needs of both the homeless and the wider Murehwa community. With its visionary blueprint encompassing residential accommodations, skill development centres, and workshops catering to a spectrum of trades, the hub is primed to foster a dynamic ecosystem of learning, growth, and empowerment.

Empowering Through Skill Training: Central to its mission is the holistic rehabilitation and reintegration of the homeless population. Through meticulously curated training programs, the Chisepe Hub will equip individuals with an array of practical skills, nurturing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society upon their eventual reintegration. From vocational training to entrepreneurial mentorship, the hub strives to instil confidence and self-sufficiency in those seeking to rebuild their lives.

Cultivating Mental Resilience: Recognizing the profound link between homelessness and mental health, the Chisepe Hub stands as a steadfast advocate for holistic well-being. By providing comprehensive psychological counselling, fostering a culture of emotional support, and imparting fundamental life skills, the hub endeavours to not only address the immediate challenges of homelessness but also to fortify individuals with the resilience necessary to navigate the complexities of life beyond their temporary stay.

Community Integration and Dignity Restoration: Beyond its role as a transitional haven, the Chisepe Hub serves as a bridge, facilitating the seamless reintegration of the homeless back into their respective communities. By nurturing a supportive environment that prioritizes human dignity, the hub strives to eradicate stigmas and misconceptions surrounding homelessness, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy within the wider community of Murehwa.

The Chisepe Hub epitomizes the compassionate spirit at the core of the EatOut Movement, underscoring its unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalized and championing a future where every individual, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Join the Movement: For those inspired to make a difference, the EatOut Movement welcomes donations of clothing, shoes, sanitary products, and blankets, all of which can be dropped off at their offices in Belgravia. Additionally, cash contributions are accepted through their provided bank details below. Let’s make a collective effort to drive meaningful change and create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

For further inquiries or to contribute to the noble cause, please reach out to Patience Chigwida at +263 71 659 2903 or +263 78 547 2956. Together, let’s ignite the spark of hope and action, one person at a time, with the EatOut Movement.