Hotel Hope thrives as it embraces ‘workaround’ to cover for failing city services
The youngest baby in its care at the moment is a little girl who was abandoned in hospital after her birth but is being expertly and lovingly cared for by the charity.
Hotel Hope, the charity that currently loves and looks after 37 abandoned or orphaned babies and children, is going from strength to strength despite dwindling services from the city.
Last August a fifth home was opened in Newlands to accommodate ever-increasing numbers of babies who needed help.
Read more: Hotel Hope wrapped in love by 67 Blankets for Mandela
“The solar panels on the other houses only help for a few hours but it is usually enough to get us through short outages.” says founder Oliver Quambusch.
Only two of the five properties have JoJo tanks.
He describes having water interruptions as the worst of the ills. “We have so many little ones who need to bathe and have clean clothes and a hot meal but as always, we make a plan, but it is frustrating.”
Their youngest, a little girl, was given up for adoption immediately after birth and has found herself in the middle of a family who truly loves her as if she were destined to meet them.
Sihle Mooi, CEO of Hotel Hope, has been in the role for 10 months now and describes his journey as ‘extraordinary’.
Also read: Hotel Hope opens fifth home for abandoned or orphaned babies and children
“This funding model has proven itself over several years for Hotel Hope and it continues to deliver. It is a revenue stream that could be rolled out in so many different ways, and for non-profits that are struggling it is something to look into.”
Costs associated with running such a large operation come in part from the innovative fundraising model Quambusch implemented when he launched Hotel Hope Interiors. It is an ever-changing offering of fine furniture, exquisitely upholstered furniture and other décor and household items for sale.
A second shop has recently opened – just a few steps from the first – called Resurrection. This store is packed with the kinds of items any household might benefit from at unbeatable costs. Clothing, furniture, kitchen gadgets, children’s games, jewellery and more can be bought for a bargain in this thrifting dream location.
“In the past many people were embarrassed to buy things second-hand but in this economy, it is becoming more and more not only acceptable for people, but essential,” says Mooi.
Details: Hotelhopeministries.org
Related article: Hotel Hope Ministries benefit from USA university outreach
