Originally started as a homeless shelter for Shanghai’s less fortunate, Home Sweet Home helps individuals reintegrate into society, live independently and find suitable jobs. Within its five short years of existence it has quickly grown, merging with a textile company to facilitate the training and employing of individuals enrolled in the project. No longer simply a shelter for those in need, this ingenious program provides homeless and disabled people with invaluable skills, a sense of belonging and a more promising future.

Throughout the duration of the two year program, individuals live in shared accommodation with an aim to give an added sense of responsibility for others, as well as a feeling of independence they may not have previously experienced. The trainees are taught basic life skills in order to take care of themselves properly, and for those unable to read or write, pin yin and Chinese classes are provided. Additionally, all trainees are taught computer and general office skills, manufacturing processes and conversational English to increase future employment opportunities.

The organisers of Home Sweet Home are proud of the wide-ranging facilities and skills available, as Executive Director Gerie de Pater told TALK. “Although different people might excel in different areas, our main goal is to help them be well prepared for performing in a job after they finish their two years with us. During their stay with us, the participants partake in recreational activities and events with volunteers.” She added, “Sometimes at public events they give performances to show their progress and boost their self-image. We are very proud of them!”

Before participants join Home Sweet Home they go through a process in which organisers get to know them, and vice versa. “We do some background, medical and emotional checks to make sure that they won’t pose a threat to our other trainees and are emotionally stable enough to be able to partake. Part of our program is giving them a job in our vocational workshop, so they need to be of working age and have or be able to get a valid ID card before they can join,” de Pater explains.