Our Background

In 1992 the Resthaven Place of Refuge, a shelter for homeless men, was located at 9-11 Diagonal St, La Rochelle. This offered full board and lodging to residents who are rehabilitated, and additionally, work was sought for those men to enable them to return to society.

In 1994 one of the houses located at 9 Diagonal Street was converted to a residence for homeless families and single ladies.

This residence became known as Jasmine House, the property was sold in 2023, and the residents were relocated to Camelia House in Townsview.  

1993 saw the conversion of an old school at the corner of Johannesburg Road and 11th Street, La Rochelle into offices, a men’s dormitory, sheltered workshops, stores and a canteen. Residents assisted in the workshops, the kitchen and generally were involved with other chores.  This has subsequently been closed down.  

Another men’s hostel was set up in 1995 at 32 Main Street, Rosettenville.  This no longer exists, however, the premises is being used to accommodate children and has now become the Resthaven children's home known as David House.  

The Southern Nursing Home at 140 Albert St, Rosettenville was acquired in 1996 and renamed as New Life Centre which was the head office of Resthaven Ministries.  However, we are looking at establishing another home their for senior citizens.  

In 2000 Camelia House seniors’ residency located at 36-38 Main Road, Rosettenville was donated to accommodate senior citizens.  This house accommodates men and women over the age of 60 who have their needs catered for, including meals that are prepared on-site.

The Camelia House annexe was acquired in 2004 in order to accommodate additional pensioners.  The intention is to develop the property as a safe haven for senior citizens.  

A ladies' residency was located at 151 Albert Street, Rosettenville, which provided accommodation for ladies , employees of Resthavein Ministries who were self-sufficent.

This residency has been discontinued and the property has been sold.

2004 saw the establishment of the Resthaven AIDS Baby Sanctuary (RABS) located at 95 George Street, Rosettenville.

RABS was a place of safety and provided 24-hour care on a daily basis for up to 10 AIDS-affected babies.  These children may not necessarily have been HIV positive, however they were taken care of until they were either adopted, placed in the care of other baby homes or succumbed to the AIDS virus.

In order to accommodate the babies who outgrew RABS, the men’s residency at 32-34 Main Street, Townsview, was converted into a home for children, some of who are HIV positive.

This house provides a loving and safe environment for children who will live together with the assistance of housemothers and staff, as a family until they leave the home for various reasons.

The Johannesburg Metro Food Bank Depot was set up in 2005 and Resthaven was appointed as the Distribution Depot for Region 9 networking with local churches and charities that provided food for AIDS-affected members in the community.