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Culemborg Safe Spaces

<div class="ExternalClass75D9AB92E328447A8A2D4CB97A87AFF2"><p>The City, in consultation with rough sleepers, established <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-health-and-safety/street-people/safe-spaces">Safe Spaces</a> that provide overnight shelter for people living on the streets and additional services to help them improve their lives.<br></p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">About</h2></span> <p>Culemborg Safe Space <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20pilots%20Safe%20Space%20for%20street%20people">opened on the Cape Town Foreshore in June 2018</a>, to address the shortage of shelter space and help those who no longer want to live on the street.<br></p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> The Culemborg Safe Space was the first of its kind in the city and the country. <br></p></div></div></span> <p>Situated under Culemborg Bridge, the transitional shelter has space for up to 230 people who are able to spend the night, access ablution facilities and securely store their belongings.</p><h4>People who want to make use of the facility are assigned a:</h4><ul><li>storage locker;</li><li>sleeping pallet;</li><li>sleeping bag and blanket;</li><li>wellness pack containing hygiene essentials.</li></ul><p>The site also has a dedicated <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Law%20Enforcement%2c%20Traffic%20and%20Coordination%20Department">Law Enforcement</a> team to provide 24-hour security.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4> Culemborg Expansion site</h4><p>In 2020, two years after the opening of the first Safe Space, the City opened the Culemborg Expansion site (adjacent to the original Safe Space). The site can accommodate an additional 96 rough sleepers. </p></div></div></span> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Benefits</h2></span> <p>The use of the Safe Space is entirely voluntary, and the benefits for rough sleepers include:</p><ul><li>a secure and safe area to sleep in the CBD;</li><li>a drug-free/alcohol-free/weapon-free space;</li><li>clean water and ablution facilities;<br></li><li>storage facilities to keep their possessions safe.</li></ul> <span> <div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slide="1" data-slides="3" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;"> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-1"><img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/shelter1.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="display:none;width:948px;" /><figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> <p> Secure storage facilities at Culemborg Safe Space.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-2"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/shelter2.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="display:none;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> <p>Each person who makes use of the facility is assigned a sleeping pallet and is provided with a sleeping bag and blanket.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-3"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/shelter3.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="display:none;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> <p>Residents who make use of the Culemborg Safe Space have access to clean ablution facilities and water.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"> </div><div class="image-gallery-nav"><div class="nav-info">1 of 3</div><div class="slide-next"> <i class="icon arrow-white-next"></i> </div><div class="slide-prev"> <i class="icon arrow-white-prev"></i></div></div></div></div></span><br><span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p>We partner with organisations to bring their services (clothing donations, pop-up kitchens, etc.) to the Safe Space.</p></div></div></span> <h4>In the first year, 616 people made use of the Safe Space. Below are some of the success stories:</h4><ul><li>3 people were placed in frail care;</li><li>9 people moved into their own accommodation;<br></li><li>19 people secured permanent employment;</li><li>58 people were reunified with their families;</li><li>65 people successfully completed the Matrix substance abuse rehabilitation programme;</li><li>70 people were helped to secure identity documents;</li><li>84 people were assisted and returned to their hometowns outside of Cape Town;</li><li>115 people secured temporary work opportunities via EPWP.</li></ul><p></p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">How you can help</h2></span> <p>We have, and will continue to work with residents to find lasting solutions. We also welcome assistance from concerned residents and non-governmental organisations to support the rough sleeper community by bringing their services and donations to the Safe Space. </p><p>Thanks to the collective efforts of many individuals, private enterprises, corporates and non-governmental organisations, the Safe Space has been able to offer:</p><ul><li>clothing;</li><li>food supplies;</li><li>funding for IDs;</li><li>funeral policies;</li><li>hair grooming;</li><li>skills training;</li><li>temporary and permanent job opportunities;</li><li>toiletries.</li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2></span> <p>If you would like to offer your donations and services to the Culemborg Safe Spaces, contact:<br></p><h4> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Community%2c%20Arts%20and%20Culture%20Development">Community, Arts and Culture Development Department</a> </h4><p> <em>Email: <br><a href="mailto:communityartsandculturedevelopment@capetown.gov.za">communityartsandculturedevelopment@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p>

The Culemborg Safe Spaces are overnight facilities where rough sleepers can access services to help them get off the street.