The Green Point Tennis Courts in Cape Town have been restored for public use after the eviction of unauthorized inhabitants. The City of Cape Town approached the eviction with both empathy and practicality, offering temporary lodging options and social programs through City Safe Spaces to support social integration and rehabilitation. The City continues to invest in Safe Space transitional shelters to combat homelessness and assist those in need.
The Winter Readiness Programme helps shelters provide refuge for homeless individuals during the cold winter months by offering resources and support to assist more people. The program’s objective is to empower these vital organizations and create additional sleeping spaces without forcing them to build permanent housing. To participate, organizations must be registered as NonProfit or Public Benefit Organizations, possess the facilities to house clients, meet health and safety guidelines, and complete site evaluations. The application deadline is March 8th, 2024.
In Cape Town, the eviction of the homeless from areas like Culemborg is met with a multifaceted approach aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. The Safe Spaces program provides shelter and access to services like mental health, substance abuse treatment, and employment opportunities. The city’s commitment to addressing homelessness is reflected in its expansion of transitional shelters, increased bed capacity at Haven Night Shelter, and investment in NGO grants. The approach is a compassionate response to homelessness, offering a path to dignity and selfreliance.
The City of Cape Town has issued an eviction order to unauthorised inhabitants of Three Anchor Bay, offering transitional housing assistance before the deadline of January 31. The City is also committed to keeping public areas orderly and has proposed an investment of R230 million to upgrade Safe Space shelters and expand bed capacity at the Haven Night Shelter. The City’s multifaceted approach to social reintegration includes mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment referrals and job opportunities, with a focus on fostering longterm solutions through social development partnerships.
TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town is struggling with an overpopulation crisis, with 338 animals currently in its shelter. The facility has had to temporarily stop admitting new adult dogs and puppies until adoption rates increase, as the system for fostering is stretched thin. To combat the issue, TEARS is holding a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its kennels and cattery on 16 and 17 December, encouraging residents to adopt rescue pets.
