Cape Town: The Community Arts and Culture Development Department organised a wellness event, in which the officials hosted more than 200 people, who are at various stages of reintegration.
The event was completely focused on wellness and was observed at the Belhar Indoor Sports Centre on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Reportedly, the wellness day was arranged for the shelter occupants. People who have attended the event are currently residing at the Safe Spaces provided by the City of Cape Town, Haven Night shelters, U-Turn, Oasis and MES.
For the first time in the nine months of the year 2024, the fieldworkers of the Community Arts and Culture Development Department helped in providing shelters to the 1,382 people and facilitated 374 reunifications.
As per the sources, the fieldworkers who extended the help are especially in the Street People Programme Unit.
Street People Programme is an initiative toward reducing the homeless people. Homelessness is a constitutional competency of National and Provincial government.
The constitutional objectives pertain to municipalities, to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities. The programme ensures the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner.
Also, it promotes social and economic development along with the safe and healthy environment, to encourage the involvement of the communities and community organisations, particularly in the matters of local government.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that tackling homelessness is a complicated task around the world.
She mentioned that staff or unit is doing amazing work and many people trust them and expect help from the unit in their journey to reintegration.
Ross expressed further that such events offer fun moments to reflect, develop and foster relationships, especially for those who are working towards standing on their own or rejoining the family units or communities.
She stated that each person who has helped off the street, reunified with family or reintegrated back into the society is one person, who has been removed from potential danger and has given the opportunity to be a part of their community.