The City of Cape Town is offering support to registered NPOs and has provided accommodation for vulnerable residents this winter. The Winter Readiness Programme provides vital resources like bedding, blankets, food, and cleaning supplies to shelters, helping them meet the increased demand during the colder months.
They are particularly looking for shelters who can temporarily increase their bed capacity. They will also provide additional staff through the EPWP to assist with administrative tasks.
Reportedly, the applications are now open for registered non-profit organisations that provide accommodation to vulnerable residents. Qualifying organisations have to apply for support until 31st March to increase the bed space and sustain their operations through winter.
During the colder months, more rough sleepers and vulnerable people seek shelter and assistance. The Winter Readiness Programme by the City of Cape Town helped shelters respond to this increased demand by providing practical support, including bedding, blankets, hygiene items, food supplies and cleaning materials.
The programme is open to qualifying shelters who are able to temporarily increase their bed capacity to deal with the increased demand for the service during winter. The City will also make available staff through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to assist with general and administrative tasks to increase capacity at NGO-partners to accommodate additional clients.
The Winter Readiness Programme is a core part of the City’s broader approach to reduce rough sleeping, which also includes access to Safe Spaces, a dedicated Street People Unit and public awareness campaigns. In the six months between July and December 2025, the Street People Programme Unit received 6103 service requests and enquiries. It completed over 5400 screenings and 9500 follow-up visits and facilitated 1075 placements at shelters or City Safe Spaces.
Some rough sleepers engaged in this period have gone on to find employment, including jobs as an e-hailing driver and chef. The Winter Readiness Programme will be implemented between May 04 and October 30, 2026.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the winter is one of the hardest times for people living on the streets, and they know that the pressure it places on the shelters.
Through this programme, the City of Cape Town is working with the NGO-partners across Cape Town to provide safe, dignified spaces and practical support. Higham encouraged all eligible shelters to apply so that, together, they can help more residents come in from the cold and access the support they need. The applicants must be registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) or a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO).