A Ray of Hope: Expanding Safe Space Homeless Shelters in Cape Town

A Landmark Initiative in Cape Town

In the bustling city of Cape Town, a groundbreaking effort is being made to provide a lifeline to vulnerable individuals who have found themselves living on the streets. The city’s Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, recently shared the news of approved plans for a 300-bed Safe Space shelter, marking a significant stride towards tackling homelessness in this urban center. This monumental endeavor is set to start early next year, offering not only a place to sleep but also access to pivotal care services that can transform these individuals’ lives for the better.

Situated on a portion of municipal depot land in Green Point’s Ebenezer Road, the Safe Space will provide dignified temporary housing and a variety of essential care services. These facilities include referrals to addiction or mental health treatment, personal development planning, employment opportunities, assistance in securing identification documents and social grants, and family reunifications.

The most recent approval brings the total number of Safe Space beds in central Cape Town to roughly 780, adding to two existing facilities operating at Culemborg in the eastern CBD. As Cape Town’s central business district serves as a critical economic and tourism center, ensuring public spaces remain open and welcoming to everyone is of the highest priority.

Investing in Transitional Shelters and Support

Mayor Hill-Lewis highlights the importance of guiding individuals from the streets into sheltered environments, stating that embracing social aid is an essential decision for one’s dignity, health, and overall well-being. The City has designated R230 million for the operation of Safe Spaces and the expansion of these transitional shelters beyond the CBD and Bellville over three years, making it the most extensive suite of care interventions provided by any metropolitan area in South Africa.

The City’s commitment extends beyond merely enlarging its own Safe Spaces and includes supporting non-profit organizations (NPOs) working tirelessly to address this pressing issue. A notable example is the Haven Night Shelter, which has experienced a 63% bed increase, allowing the facility to grow from 96 to 156 beds. Moreover, during winter, the City facilitated various NGOs to add 300 temporary bed spaces to accommodate the heightened demand for shelter, and deployed 184 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers for assistance.

Cape Town’s determination to tackle homelessness is further demonstrated by its Street People program budget, totaling R94.75 million for 2023/24. This represents a 23% rise from the previous year, making it the only metropolitan area with a social development budget focused on this issue. Over three years, R75 million will be accessible through grant-in-aid funding to NGOs working to aid people living on the streets.

Pioneering Treatment Programs and Comprehensive Support

Another exceptional initiative is the City-administered Matrix substance abuse treatment program, which boasts an impressive 80% success rate for clients. This effort addresses one of the main reasons people end up on the streets and plays a crucial part in their journey toward an improved life.

Between July 2022 and June 2023, the City offered assistance to almost 3,500 people, providing shelter placements, referrals to social services, and short-term contractual job opportunities through the EPWP. Among these were 2,246 shelter placements, 112 family reunifications and reintegrations, 1,124 referrals to social services, and more than 880 short-term jobs.

At the heart of Cape Town’s Safe Space model is a comprehensive strategy for delivering aid. Services encompass dignified shelter, comfortable accommodations and ablutions, two meals per day, access to on-site social workers, personal development planning, various social services (e.g., assistance with identification documents and social grants), family reunification services, substance and alcohol abuse treatment, skills training, job assistance, and access to EPWP work placement.

Through this multifaceted approach, the City of Cape Town is not only addressing the immediate needs of its homeless population but also paving the way for long-term solutions. By offering a broad range of care interventions, the Safe Space initiative acts as a beacon of hope for those who have found themselves living on the streets, presenting an opportunity to forge a brighter future.