Nestor Ebden, 18, who left his home six months ago, was reunited with his family in Strandfontein after he visited the Haven Night Shelter in Cape Town. Pictured is Nestor hugging his father, Gavin Ebden on Thursday December 19.
Strandfontein’s Nestor Ebden was reunited with his father after being homeless for six months.
Nestor, 18, left his home six months ago and was reunited with his family in Strandfontein after he visited the Haven Night Shelter in Cape Town for their dignity project.
After working on a farm in Grabouw, Nestor walked back to Cape Town over two days, with only some water to keep him going. Before then, he had been sleeping in Mckenzie Road park in District Six for a month and been at another shelter for two months.
The Haven’s initiative, which runs until Friday January 3, 2025, offers people living on the street haircuts, shaves, hot showers, and toiletry packs. Women can opt for a blow-dry or hot iron styling. Participants receive clean clothing and new sneakers and their old clothes will be cleaned and returned within two days. They're also given access to a phone to reconnect with family.
Nestor arrived at the Haven Night Shelter in Cape Town on Wednesday December 18, and slept there before being reunited with his family on Thursday December 19.
He called his father, Gavin Ebden, and left a message, as he just wanted to listen to his voice and find out if he was okay. His father had been looking for him and phoned back, saying he missed his son and wanted him to come home.
The Haven Night Shelter’s Head of Social Work, Patrick Mentor, took Nestor home to Strandfontein on Thursday December 19. Nestor expressed his joy about reuniting with his father, grandmother, brother and plans to return to school to complete his studies.
“The Haven Night Shelter believes no one should have to live on our streets. Having a success story like this ahead of Christmas is truly heartwarming,” said Mr Mentor.