As the winter chill approaches, the City of Cape Town has reaffirmed its commitment to helping vulnerable communities, particularly those living on the streets. The municipality’s Winter Readiness Programme is once again offering vital support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provide shelter and essential services to the homeless.
The initiative, aimed at reducing the impact of the cold season on the city’s unhoused population, allows eligible shelters to apply for assistance in the form of food parcels, toiletries, mattresses, and warm bedding.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, emphasised the importance of partnering with registered organisations to ensure proper accountability and resource management. To qualify for support under the programme, shelters must be registered either as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) or a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO).
“We want to make sure that resources are allocated responsibly and reach the people who need them most,” said Higham. “Organisations that meet the criteria and are actively working to support the homeless are encouraged to apply for this assistance.”
Several well-established organisations in Cape Town, including U-Turn Ministries, The Haven Night Shelter, and Mould Empower Serve (MES), are already part of the city’s extended shelter network. These NGOs play a pivotal role in offering not just a safe place to sleep but also access to psychosocial support, rehabilitation programmes, and reintegration initiatives for people living on the street.
Expanding Shelter Capacity Across Cape Town
Cape Town’s approach goes beyond temporary aid. The city has developed safe spaces that offer structured and dignified environments for people experiencing homelessness. These spaces currently provide 1,070 beds across the metro and are integrated into the broader network of support offered by the city and its partners.
“In addition to our safe spaces, we partner with shelters such as The Haven Night Shelter to increase our total bed capacity. The Haven alone provides over 1,400 beds and we’re working closely with them to expand that number as winter sets in,” said Higham.
The city is actively working with NGOs to assess demand and allocate additional resources accordingly. These collaborative efforts aim to prevent vulnerable individuals from sleeping rough in freezing temperatures and create pathways toward permanent solutions.
While the immediate goal of the Cape Town Winter Readiness Programme is to mitigate the risks associated with cold weather, the long-term objective is to assist individuals in transitioning off the streets permanently.
According to Higham, the city’s interventions are guided by a compassionate yet strategic approach. This includes working with partner organisations that offer services such as counselling, job readiness training, and family reunification efforts. By investing in long-term social development, the City of Cape Town is tackling the root causes of homelessness and not just its symptoms.
“These are not just temporary shelters; they are stepping stones for people to rebuild their lives,” Higham explained. “Each winter, we learn more about what is needed and how we can improve our response. This programme is a lifeline for many, and we are committed to strengthening it year after year.”
The success of the Cape Town Winter Readiness Programme relies heavily on collaboration — not just with NGOs, but with the general public as well. Residents are encouraged to support registered shelters through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness about available services.
Higham called on Cape Town residents to report individuals in need of help through the city’s Street People Unit or to connect them with nearby shelters. “Our message to the public is: help us help them. If you see someone in distress, reach out to one of our partner shelters or let us know so we can intervene.”
The City also provides a platform where members of the public can donate to the Give Dignity campaign, which supports rehabilitation services and reintegration programmes.
Cape Town’s Commitment to Human Dignity
Cape Town’s proactive stance on homelessness, especially during winter, demonstrates its commitment to upholding human dignity and public safety. Through strategic partnerships, increased shelter capacity, and resource allocation, the city is working to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.
As temperatures begin to drop, the City of Cape Town continues to encourage collaboration, compassion, and community action — proving that when we work together, meaningful change is possible.
Source-EWN