Cape Town’s District Six to Welcome New Homeless Adult Shelter

District Six, a historic neighborhood in Cape Town, is set to welcome a new homeless adult shelter called the Hope Exchange Shelter. The proposed facility aims to provide refuge for individuals living on the streets. The public consultation process is currently underway until July 14, allowing residents and concerned parties to share their thoughts on the initiative.

Proposed Shelter’s Location and Services

The proposed shelter will be located in the old Tafelberg crèche in Zonnebloem, which the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has identified as the most suitable and financially viable option. The shelter will have the capacity to accommodate 116 individuals and provide them with beds, meals, development plans, and access to a social worker for psychosocial support. The facility will also offer referrals to healthcare and professional support, family reunification assistance, and community reintegration programs.

Addressing the Urgent Need for More Shelter Facilities

Despite the presence of two other shelters in the area, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has noted an urgent need for additional facilities due to the rising number of people living on the streets or within informal structures. The new shelter aims to address this pressing issue by offering more individuals a chance to improve their circumstances and transition away from life on the streets.

Remodeling and Safety Measures

The existing building will undergo internal remodeling, focusing on the kitchen, office area, bathrooms, and dormitories. The exterior of the shelter will largely remain unchanged. To minimize disturbances during the renovation process, the site is located over 100 meters away from the nearest residential accommodation. Safety measures, such as repairs to the external perimeter fence, will also be implemented, and precautions will be taken to secure the site throughout the renovation phase and once it becomes operational.

Timeline and Funding

The remodeling work is expected to commence in October and take between five and seven months, with the shelter set to open its doors in 2023. To address the increasing demand for shelter services, the provincial Department of Social Development has allocated R31 million to 37 shelters for homeless adults in the current fiscal year. This funding covers expenses such as social worker positions, nutrition, and operational costs.

Need for Comprehensive Approach to Homelessness

While the proposed shelter is a step in the right direction, some individuals, such as Carlos Mesquita of Outsider, emphasize the need for second-phase shelters rather than entry-phase ones. Mesquita points to the lack of options available to individuals who have completed the initial phase and are ready for employment, arguing that providing another large shelter will not effectively solve the underlying problem. He calls for a comprehensive approach that focuses on helping individuals permanently transition away from homelessness.

Encouragement for Written Comments

As the public consultation process continues, residents, stakeholders, and interested groups are encouraged to submit written comments to the head of the Department of Social Development by July 14.