Creating opportunities to change lives.
Homies in the Community is an independent, community engagement initiative creating opportunities for employment and skills development.
We work with volunteers, corporate partners and funders to raise funds, donate time or expertise that enable these opportunities. We believe that by serving the communities, us and our partners operate in, we can support meaningful change and change lives.
HI THERE. WE’RE HOMIES IN THE COMMUNITY
We’re guided by the idea of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”.
Ubuntu is what moves us to get involved in a real, hands-on way –through mentorship, education, and practical support. It’s not about “giving back” from a distance: it’s about showing up, listening properly, and building genuine relationships that last.
Purpose and mission
Our mission, anchored in the spirit of Ubuntu, is to connect people, time and resources with communities around us to create opportunity, employment, dignity and lasting impact.
By listening first and working together, we aim to build relationships that empower individuals and strengthen the communities we share.
Homies in the Community is built on a simple purpose: we rise by lifting others.
Our mission, anchored in the spirit of Ubuntu, is to connect people, time and resources with communities around us to create opportunity, employment, dignity and lasting impact.
By listening first and working together, we aim to build relationships that empower individuals and strengthen the communities we share.
HOW WE OPERATE
HITC mobilises people, resources and expertise to support communities through mentorship, education and long-term opportunity. Our work is grounded in empathy, driven by accountability and focused on sustainable outcomes – not quick wins.
We focus our efforts where we believe they can make the deepest, most lasting difference.
Mentorship and education
We support individuals through learning, guidance, and exposure – helping people build confidence, skills, and possibility.
Access to opportunity
We work to remove barriers for underrepresented communities, creating pathways into education, employment, and growth.
Community-led development
We don’t impose solutions. We co-create them with the people we serve – ensuring relevance, dignity, and sustainability.
Long-term upliftment
We prioritise initiatives that build momentum over time, not quick wins.
Some of our projects
Mandela Soup Jar Drive
In the spirit of Mandela Day, we assembled soup jars filled with essential ingredients to help bring warmth, nourishment, and dignity to families in need.
Hope Bags Drive for the Tears Foundation
We came together to assist with packing Hope Bags filled with essential items, providing comfort, dignity, and support to individuals in vulnerable situations.
Code your future initiative
We came together to support recent CodeYourFuture graduates through career coaching, guidance, and practical support as they navigate the job market and transition into the tech industry.
From mentorship programmes to skills workshops and community infrastructure, our projects are rooted in one belief: that lasting change starts from within. Here's a glimpse at some of the work we're doing on the ground.
Santa Shoebox Project
Through the Santa Shoebox Project, we pulled together to prepare personalised gift boxes to help bring joy, care, and essential items to children in need during the festive season.
Great girls
We partnered with Great Girls to support young women transitioning from school into the working world, equipping them with practical skills such as communication, job searching, and interview readiness.
How we’re funded
HITC is individually funded and operates through a network of volunteers, with no salaried staff. 100% of funds raised go directly toward supporting our causes and programmes.
HITC is further enabled through the generosity of its founding partner, aston holmes.
HITC welcomes opportunities to partner with other individuals or businesses that share our commitment to community impact.
Homies in the Community NPC is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO)
PBO number: 930085379
All qualifying donations are eligible for Section 18A tax certificates.
Please reach out to us at community@astonholmes.com if you have made a donation and require a Section 18A(1)(a) Donation Certificate
Our partners
We're proud to work alongside organisations who share our commitment to building stronger, more connected communities.
Tumi Sephapo
Fundraising & Event Lead / Chairperson
Brad Bloom
Special Advisor
Meet our team
We’re run by a small, dedicated team of volunteers who care passionately about the work we do.
Kerry Trainor
Treasurer
Ella Coetzee
Community Engagement & Fundraising Partner
Micaela Viljoen
Compliance & Admin Officer
Santhurie Naidoo
Community Engagement & Fundraising Partner
Donation information
Transparency & Fund Use Messaging: - We are committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of all funds received. As a registered South African NPC and PBO, donations are managed through our dedicated HITC account and allocated directly to approved community initiatives. Section 18A tax certificates are available for contributions.
Alternative Ways to Support: - Corporate sponsorship | In-kind donations | Volunteering opportunities
Get in Touch
If you’d like to hear more about what we do, or potentially partner on a project, we’d love to hear from you - use the form opposite to get in touch.
