Cape Town: The Community, Arts and Culture Department of the City of Cape Town 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 that aims at increasing capacity to help more people off the street during the colder months.
Winter Readiness Programme of the City helps shelters respond to the increased demand for bed space, by providing practical assistance which includes groceries, hygiene and cleaning products, such as bedding and mattresses. This year, R1.2 million is allocated to the initiative, which will be implemented from now until October 30, 2026.
The support comes as recent severe weather and heavy rainfall have increased pressure on shelters and social support organisations across Cape Town. It happens as many vulnerable residents seek protection from cold and wet conditions.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the City of Cape Town is committed to help the most vulnerable residents and with the onset of winter, especially those sleeping rough on the street are exposed to the harsh elements.
She added that they are supporting those organisations who work in this sphere. The team is helping to keep people sleeping rough on the street safe and warm. It’s about more than resources, and the goal is to restore dignity and hope.
Higham is proud that this year, the support extends to five organisations and is collaborating with the shelters, who are cornerstone of the impactful social service delivery. By working together, they can ensure that more people sleeping rough on the street are assisted and possibly guided to leave the streets. They want to encourage the residents to help them, and these organisations assist more people in sleeping rough on the street.
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
- U-Turn Ministries
Note that the 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. By complying with all health and safety regulations and agreeing to site inspections by the Fire and Rescue Service and the Environmental Health Department of the City of Cape Town.
The Winter Readiness programme started in 2014 and supplements ongoing interventions were implemented by the City’s Street People Unit. It aims at helping individuals off the street, by including the provision of Safe Space Shelters and social development programmes to those who are rough sleeping.
Services by the Unit includes facilitating access to social developmental services; relocation to shelters or re-unification with family or re-integration into their community and social outreach interventions. Residents are urged to work with the City of Cape Town and its shelter partners by directing vulnerable individuals and donations to recognised shelters and safe spaces across the metro.