| City boosts winter support for 10 shelters for the homeless | City boosts winter support for 10 shelters for the homeless | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City's Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department will provide goods and services valued at R1,2 million to 10 NGO shelters this winter, to help them cope with the increased demand for their services. </p> | <span><p>The Winter Readiness Programme is but one of the many City interventions to assist persons living on the street. </p><p>The R1 million budget will go towards acquiring and distributing essentials like blankets, mattresses, food items, hygiene items and cleaning aids to qualifying shelters. </p><p>An additional allocation of nearly R230 000 has been made through the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist shelters with temporary staffing, operational support and administrative tasks over the period. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/IMG_0991.JPG" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘Winter places enormous strain on shelters as demand for warm beds and basic care increases, especially during storms. By working with our NGO partners on a comprehensive response, the City’s contribution reduces the pressure on qualifying NGOs, and also increases their capacity to help more people. While the primary aim is to provide a safe, dry space for those in need, our shelters are also equipped to provide more longer term interventions designed to help people off the street for good. We look forward to working with the partners this year, and hope that we are able to expand our reach even further next year,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham. </p><p>The programme started on the 8th of May 2025 and will conclude on the 30th of October 2025. </p><p>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.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/IMG_0998.JPG" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The shelters receiving assistance are The Haven’s facilities in Kensington, Kraaifontein, Woodstock, Green Point and Retreat; Oasis - Reach For Your Dreams; MES; El Theos; TASP and U-Turn Ministries.</p><p>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.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/IMG_1008.JPG" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></figure></span><p>Caption 1: At the launch of the Winter Readiness Programme were from left Jean Ray Knighton Fitt (CEO of U-Turn Homeless Ministries), Shadrick Valayadum (CEO of The Haven Night Shelter), Bijou Bakole (COO from Elthios Centre), Councillor Francine Higham, Megan Pangeni (Community, Arts and Culture Department), Erefaan Jacobs (client at Oasis Reach for your dreams Safe Space), Perpetua Mamvura (Programme Co-ordinator at the Tygerberg Association for Street People), and Zodwa Mbontsi (CACD). In front on the bed is Ilse Maartens (Branch manager for Mould Empower Serve).</p><p><br>Caption 2: Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, addresses guests standing behind key Winter Readiness Programme resources.</p><p>Caption 3: Representatives from various shelters attended the launch of the Winter Readiness Programme.<br> </p><p>End<br></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span><span></span><span></span> | 2025-05-08T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#2a5efaf1-c8d4-42be-8809-9638cebaefd5;L0|#02a5efaf1-c8d4-42be-8809-9638cebaefd5|shelter;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#e8551c6e-d07b-410f-82d7-c7015c240416;L0|#0e8551c6e-d07b-410f-82d7-c7015c240416|Homeless;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
