The City of Cape Town’s Street People Programme Unit, part of the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department, is an essential resource for the most vulnerable members of the community. In the 12-month period ending in June 2023, the team provided support to over 51,000 homeless individuals, offering them a path towards a better future.
Extensive Outreach Efforts
The Programme Unit conducts outreach efforts throughout the city, including daily outreaches and walk-in clients. Their mission is clear: to provide access to social and health services, shelter placements, developmental opportunities, and practical interventions, such as obtaining identity documents and social grants.
The unit operates on the principle of autonomy, where assistance is always voluntary. In the past year, the unit has placed 2,246 individuals in shelters, reintegrated 112 with families or communities, and referred 1,124 individuals to various services such as rehabilitation and health services. Additionally, 882 people were provided short-term contractual job opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme.
Acknowledging the Dedication of the Programme Unit
Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, acknowledges the tireless staff and their unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Building trust between the staff and homeless individuals is crucial, as it takes time to rebuild relationships and address the underlying reasons that led these individuals to the streets.
Developmental Programs and Safe Spaces
The city, in collaboration with its partners, offers various developmental programs for clients of its Safe Space facilities. Currently, there are three such facilities in Culemborg and Bellville providing 780 beds, with plans to expand to Durbanville and Green Point. Additionally, through the Winter Readiness Programme, the city supports NGOs by adding 300 bed spaces and offers Grant-in-Aid funding.
The City’s Commitment to Alleviating Homelessness
Although homelessness falls outside the municipal mandate, the city’s Street People policy offers a range of interventions aimed at empowering individuals to leave the streets for good. As the only metropolitan area allocating a social development budget to address this challenge, the city remains steadfast in its dedication to providing assistance to those in need.
Despite the adverse impact of the two-year pandemic on the homelessness crisis, Councillor Van der Ross emphasizes the city’s unwavering commitment to alleviating the struggles of those less fortunate. Through its social assistance programs, Safe Spaces, and support of the NGO sector, the city sets a shining example of hope, humanity, and perseverance.
The City of Cape Town’s Street People Programme Unit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all. In the face of adversity, their persistent efforts to uplift the lives of countless individuals who have fallen on hard times remind us of the power of empathy and the importance of offering a helping hand.
