Besides increased bed numbers, upgrades to the Kensington-based shelter include expanded kitchen and bathroom facilities, flooring, painting, and fire safety measures.

The Kensington expansion follows similar projects at Haven-run facilities in Retreat, where the City is funding a tripling of beds to almost 300, and the CBD, where beds increased by 63%, from 96 to 156. Hundreds more beds will also be added through the City’s various other expansion projects in the pipeline.

‘It was a joy to see the results of the City’s upgrade to the Haven Night Shelter in Kensington, which can now accommodate 200 people, a 150% increase on the previous 80 beds. This is in line with our pledge to help many more people to rebuild their lives off the streets, while restoring previously-occupied public spaces.

‘Over this term, we have nearly doubled Cape Town’s shelter network to over 1 300 beds, adding around 640 new beds. That includes 340 at the new City Safe Spaces in Green Point and Durbanville, and 300 beds from expansions to Haven-operated shelters. We have also upgraded facilities at the City’s two Culemborg Safe Spaces in the CBD, with many more exciting projects in the pipeline to expand shelters across the metro.

‘The City has allocated R100 million in this financial year alone to help more people off the streets, as the only metro with a social development budget to address homelessness. In this way, we are helping many more people to make that choice to leave the streets, which is the best decision anyone can make for safety, dignity and well-being,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

The bulk of the City’s budget this year - R87 million – is for operations at the City’s four Safe Spaces offering both dignified shelter and social services; outreach interventions encouraging people to leave the streets; annual winter support to NGO shelters; and work opportunities to help people get back on their feet via the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Over the next three years, R62m will go to shelter expansion projects, including:

• a new Safe Space in Kuils River
• the redevelopment of the Paint City Safe Space in Bellville
• expansions to Haven Night Shelters in Wynberg and District Six

Councillor Higham said homelessness is a complex social challenge requiring not only dignified shelter, but a range of social support services to help people off the streets.

‘The City’s investments strengthen our people-centred approach by expanding accommodation, supporting outreach teams, and working with NGO partners to connect vulnerable residents with shelter, healthcare, social services and opportunities.

‘Every person who accepts assistance is a step towards lasting change, and we remain committed to ensuring that support is available to everyone willing to take that first step to leaving the streets for good,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The City's Safe Spaces and NGO-run shelters offer a range of services, including:

• dignified shelter
• comfort and ablutions
• two meals per day
• access to a social worker on-site
• skills training
• help finding a job
• access to EPWP work placement
• personal development planning
• various social services, including ID Book and social grant assistance
• family reunification services
• access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment