Haven of Hope

Haven of Serenity, trading as Haven of Hope Shelter for the Homeless, is a Durban CBD shelter situated at 11/12 Soldiers Way — the first council-approved shelter for homeless people in Durban, founded by Charlene Usher after nearly six years of navigating bureaucratic requirements to realise her vision of a safe, dignified, structured refuge for those who have fallen through society's cracks. The shelter operates on a rules-based model — no drugs, no alcohol, no destructive behaviour — which creates a structured, secure environment distinct from many informal shelters. Residents have included families displaced by fire, pensioners, psychiatric patients without family support, and women who have left abusive partners and ended up on the street with nowhere to go. Staff describe themselves as mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, nurses, and counsellors to residents. A small fee is charged to sustain operations. While not a dedicated GBV shelter, Haven of Hope is a significant safety net resource for women in crisis in Durban's inner city — contact via Facebook to confirm current availability.

Last confirmed by NGO Finder: 3 Mar 2026 — policy date for key listing details; always verify with the organisation.