The study explored the experiences of project members in the implementation of poverty alleviation projects. A convenience sample of thirty participants was drawn from six poverty alleviation projects in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape Province. Data were collected using focus groups, interview schedule and document review. The results obtained from the thematic content analysis indicate that project members experience challenges pertaining to financial resources, infrastructure and capacity to implement the projects. It is recommended that project members received guidance from Community Development Practitioners on how to draw out strengths and successes in a community's shared history in the conceptualisation of projects.