Former homeless addict learns that change comes from within
A simple sewing class in Northcliff is helping one young man stitch together a future he once thought he had lost.
For years, Selby Solomon thought everyone else was to blame.
Now, after battling addiction, losing opportunities, and spending time sleeping on the streets, the 27-year-old says the hardest lesson he had to learn was that change starts from within. “It took me about seven years to come clean and realise that life isn’t all about me. You have to focus on yourself and on helping other people.”
Solomon grew up in an orphanage before being adopted through Lambano Sanctuary. Despite receiving support, education, and opportunities, he says pain over being separated from family, and years of substance abuse, led him down a destructive path. “I always blamed other people, but I realised I was ruining things for myself.”
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Earlier this year, after spending several weeks homeless in Northcliff, Solomon was found by someone connected to the organisation that had helped raise him. Through their intervention, he found a place at Tshepo Community Development Initiative, and accommodation in a shelter in Windsor East. Since May, his days have followed a routine. Mornings start with exercise and breakfast before moving into gardening, counselling, and practical skills development. Tuesdays are devoted to sewing, while arts and other activities fill the week. “There are days when you don’t feel motivated, but I remind myself, I’m doing this not only for me, but so that one day I can help others.”
Solomon has learned gardening, sewing, and life skills, and says hearing stories from others who have rebuilt their lives gives him hope. “There is still hope when you see other people recover. Even today, I wouldn’t say I’m perfect, but I’m doing much better.”
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He also has a message for communities that may judge people experiencing homelessness. “Don’t judge somebody just by looking at them. Ask about their story first. Sometimes just greeting someone can put a smile on their face.”
As he continues rebuilding his own future, Solomon hopes his story reaches others who may be struggling, as he urges them to be patient with themselves. “Even when you think there’s no way forward, keep going. It’s not the end of the world. There is always hope.”
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