Record turnout as Street Store brings dignity to Durban’s homeless
Hosted by the Denis Hurley Centre in partnership with Grace Family Church and Grace Aid, the Street Store transformed the centre's grounds into a welcoming space where beneficiaries could select clothing and other essentials in a dignified shopping environment.
More than 1, 100 homeless people were served at this year’s Street Store, held at the Denis Hurley Centre on Saturday, June 6, in what organisers described as the largest event of its kind to date.
A record 1, 128 homeless men, women and children attended the annual outreach initiative, which provided free clothing, shoes, toys, meals and a range of support services aimed at restoring dignity and offering hope to some of Durban’s most vulnerable residents.
Hosted by the Denis Hurley Centre in partnership with Grace Family Church and Grace Aid, the Street Store transformed the centre’s grounds into a welcoming space where beneficiaries could select clothing and other essentials in a dignified shopping environment.
In addition to clothing and footwear, attendees were offered foot-washing services, massages, haircuts, food and prayer support.
Children also received toys as part of the day’s activities.
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The event brought together a wide range of community partners, including Alcoholics Anonymous, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Law and Management Studies Law Clinic, the Durban University of Technology Somatology and Chiropractic Departments, ClearMe and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Volunteers worked throughout the day assisting guests, sorting donations and providing personalised support, helping to create an atmosphere of care, compassion and respect.
The turnout surpassed last year’s event, which assisted nearly 1, 000 homeless people, highlighting both the growing need for support services and the willingness of organisations and volunteers to come together to serve those in need.
Organisers thanked Grace Family Church, Grace Aid, partner organisations and volunteers whose contributions helped make the 2026 Street Store a resounding success.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the initiative sought to remind homeless individuals that they remain valued members of the community deserving of dignity, kindness and opportunity.
