our projects
I am Lynique Odendaal, the founder of FIAH, a passionate advocate for community empowerment, and an aspiring music therapist.
Upon graduating from the University of Pretoria as a first-generation graduate, I embarked on a path in law, where I found myself drawn to various leadership positions within my faculty, mentoring students and truly having an understanding of the pressing needs in the world. However, my heart always gravitated towards serving others and supporting vulnerable groups through community projects. In pursuit of my dreams, I made the bold decision to follow my passion for music therapy. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in playing netball, exploring nature through trail running, and expressing my creativity through piano. These hobbies not only fuel my personal growth but also inspire me to infuse creativity and compassion into everything I do. FIAH is more than just an advocacy—it’s a lived reality which dedication to making a positive impact and fostering a sense of community. Join me on this journey as we empower individuals, uplift communities, and create a brighter future together.
our work
Our work falls into 2 pillars aimed at creating equal development opportunities with one main campaign:
Foundation Friends
Over a billion individuals worldwide are living in unsafe, temporary shelters, shacks and mud huts. In developing nations countries, housing holds immense socio-economic importance, serving as the cornerstone for families in these communities. The demand for safe housing is enormous. However, when this need is met, families are granted the invaluable gift of a healthier and more promising future.
But we cannot tackle this challenge alone. By becoming Foundation Friends, your business and/or individual contribution can become a catalyst for change. You will contribute to a lasting impact that extends far beyond simply constructing a home for a family in need.
Restoring Dignity
1st Pillar
“Restoring dignity” is dedicated to supporting children and homeless individuals by packing essential basic hygiene items in a drawstring bag.
Bar of Soap
Face Cloth
Roll-On
Stick Deodorant
Shampoo
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Essentials
Bag
Tomorrow's Choices, Today's Actions
2nd Pillar
The “Tomorrow’s Choices, Today’s Actions” program is a comprehensive mentoring and guidance initiative aimed at empowering teenagers aged 14 and older. Through a series of structured modules and learning opportunities, we equip young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their future. Our program emphasizes personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of critical life skills, empowering teens to navigate their journey toward success with purpose and resilience.
proud ambassador of
KidsCare
Dimphonyana tsa Lapeng
Rock of Hope
Batho Empowered
harsh
conditions
Conditions Faced by People Living on the Streets (PLS) and Children Living on the Streets (CLS):
- Economic Hardship: The dire effects of poverty often force families, especially children, to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities. However, lacking familial support in cities leads to increased struggles, with individuals resorting to scavenging for food and facing the prospect of sleeping hungry.
- Vulnerability to Sexual Exploitation: PLS and CLS are at heightened risk of sexual abuse, rape, and involvement in prostitution, exposing them to diseases like STDs and HIV/AIDS.
- Insecurity and Exposure to Violence: Living without stable housing leaves individuals insecure about basic necessities like food and exposes them to theft, mugging, and sexual violence. Additionally, they are vulnerable to diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis.
- Stigmatization as Criminals: Society often perceives street dwellers as troublemakers, leading to marginalization and aggression among them as a survival mechanism. PLS and CLS face a conflict between their circumstances and societal norms.
- Substance Abuse: The harsh reality of street life drives many to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Addiction to substances like glue, alcohol, and drugs becomes prevalent, often overshadowing their basic needs and leading to risky behaviours.
- Exclusion from Society: Lacking official recognition and rights, street dwellers have minimal control over their living conditions and are often treated as invisible entities without legal status or access to essential services.
- Mental Health Struggles: PLS and CLS are prone to low self-esteem, identity crises, and difficulty controlling aggressive impulses, often leading to further engagement in destructive behaviours like substance abuse and prostitution.
- Healthcare Barriers: Street dwellers face significant challenges in accessing medical care due to their transient lifestyle and lack of identification. Mental health treatment is particularly challenging due to irregular attendance and inaccurate medical histories.
- Lack of Storage Facilities: Without access to storage, street dwellers carry all their possessions with them, affecting hygiene and limiting their ability to access facilities like shelters, bathrooms, and laundry services.
- Identification and Documentation Issues: The absence of stable addresses and identification documents impedes street dwellers’ ability to access social services and employment opportunities, exacerbating their marginalization and hindering their integration into society.
how to help
- Donate non-perishable and perishable food.
- Donate clothes and shoes of various sizes.
- Donate household goods e.g. bedding, cutlery and crockery – contact us to find out what our Shelter Partner, Homeless Solutions is in need of.
- Donating toiletries, such as shaving razors, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, sanitary towels.
- Assist with our fundraising events.
- Arrange or donate to a collection drive in your community, employer, place of worship, school, etc. and donate.
- Assisting our Shelter partner or Creche Partner with offers of building maintenance or donating building and cleaning materials.
- Monetary donations are accepted into the banking account of our registered organisation.
