| Homeless Shelters are available, no need for breaking the law | Homeless Shelters are available, no need for breaking the law | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Spaces are available at homeless shelters across Cape Town, and there was no need for an Observatory resident to have illegally erected a tent on public property.</p> | <p>‘Shelters across the City are ready to welcome homeless persons. The public is encouraged to donate to these shelters or help a homeless individual to access them. I question the motives of this resident, and who was really behind this R20 000 tent. Some people genuinely care for the vulnerable, and others have political agendas,’ said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>Badroodien said he noted that GroundUp and News24 had falsely reported that Law Enforcement had ‘torn down’ the tent. 'Our professional officers helped to take down the tent in an orderly fashion, there is no need for sensationalised reporting.'</p><p>The City of Cape Town recently disbursed R20 million in grant-in-aid funding to expand bed spaces at homeless shelters and assist a range of other care facilities during the National State of Disaster.</p><p>'Together with NGO partners, care and shelter is being offered for up to 4000 homeless persons in these trying times. Some steadfastly choose to stay on the street, but many individuals have accepted shelter, or have been reunited with family,’ said Cllr Badroodien.</p><p>'Badroodien added that the City had strong relationships with NGO partners who are working to increase rehabilitation and psychosocial services offered to the homeless. The City policy on homeless is focused on helping street people reintegrate into normal civil society, which requires intense work in shelters or safe spaces,' he said.</p><p>Members of the public wishing to donate to homeless shelters or help persons to access these, can do so via these contact details <a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/847">https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/847</a>.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2020-06-10T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#e8551c6e-d07b-410f-82d7-c7015c240416;L0|#0e8551c6e-d07b-410f-82d7-c7015c240416|Homeless;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#6c33e5b8-ac29-4fdf-b61f-1e346bf5768b;L0|#06c33e5b8-ac29-4fdf-b61f-1e346bf5768b|Community service;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#1bcaacbe-19a4-4b34-8092-38e17f8e40ab;GP0|#5fb0fd45-1240-41c9-aaeb-627cbd4a11ab;L0|#05fb0fd45-1240-41c9-aaeb-627cbd4a11ab|Health;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
