City delivers R1, 2 million winter support package to shelters
14 May 2026
The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Department, within the Community Services and Health Directorate, has provided winter support supplies to five organisations across the metro as part of its annual Winter Readiness Programme aimed at increasing capacity to help more people off the street during the colder months.
The City’s Winter Readiness Programme helps shelters respond to the increased demand for bed space, by providing practical assistance which includes groceries, hygiene and cleaning products, bedding and mattresses.
This year, R1,2 million is allocated to the initiative, which will be implemented from now until 30 October 2026.
The support comes as recent severe weather and heavy rainfall have increased pressure on shelters and social support organisations across Cape Town, with many vulnerable residents seeking protection from cold and wet conditions.
‘The City is committed to helping our most vulnerable residents and with the onset of winter, those sleeping rough on the street are exposed to the harsh elements. By supporting those organisations who work in this sphere, we are helping to keep people sleeping rough on the street safe and warm. It’s about more than resources, but the goal is to restore dignity and hope.
‘This year, our support extends to five organisations, and collaborating with shelters is the cornerstone of impactful social service delivery. By working together, we can ensure more people sleeping rough on the street, are assisted and possibly guided to leaving the streets. I want to encourage residents to help us and these organisations, assist more people sleeping rough on the street, ‘said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The shelters receiving assistance are The Haven’s facilities in Kensington, Kraaifontein, Woodstock, Green Point and Retreat; Oasis - Reach For Your Dreams; MES; Elim Night Shelter; Streetscapes and U-Turn Ministries.
Applicants had to follow strict criteria, such as being registered as an NPO or PBO, having existing facilities to accommodate clients and address their needs through developmental programmes, complying with all health and safety regulations and agreeing to site inspections by the City’s Fire and Rescue Service and the Environmental Health Department.
The Winter Readiness programme, started in 2014, supplements ongoing interventions implemented by the City's Street People Unit, aimed at helping individuals off the street, including the provision of Safe Space Shelters and social development programmes to those who are rough sleeping.
The Unit's services include facilitating access to social developmental services; relocation to shelters or reunification with family/reintegration into their community; and social outreach interventions.
Residents are urged to work with the City and its shelter partners by directing vulnerable individuals and donations to recognised shelters and safe spaces across the metro.
If you would like to report a homeless person in distress or if you need help accessing services for street people, call the City’s dedicated call centre on 0800 872 201.
Caption 1: Councillor Higham and representatives from the five organisations at the handover of winter aid.
Caption 2: Councillor Higham with some of the aid provided to shelters.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
