Sadly, we are regularly confronted with instances of homelessness, caused by a myriad of circumstances such as difficulties in the family dynamic; abandonment due to mental health issues or family estrangement brought about by drug abuse, criminal activities or severe delinquent behaviour. This list is by no means exhaustive. In some cases, the young people have run out of friends to stay with (‘sofa surfing’), and we have found them literally sleeping in shop fronts. Where possible, we will negotiate the safe return of the young person to the family home. This requires intense intervention and support to both the adolescent as well as to his parents. Where the better option is independent living, we source suitable accommodation and support the young person with grants for rent, food, items for personal hygiene and changes of clothing. We have also recently converted a section of our premises into an emergency temporary shelter.