DSD partners with the City of Cape Town in its efforts to support the homeless

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) welcomes a recent ruling by the Western Cape High Court affirming the City of Cape Town’s Safe Spaces as dignified transitional shelter.

The department supports the City of Cape Town and other municipalities across the province in their efforts to provide care to those who need it and help homeless individuals rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

No one is forced to enter a shelter, but with the weather conditions becoming more adverse, we encourage those living on the streets to access the available spaces for their safety.

“We wish for every citizen of this province to live, work, and play in safety. We do not wish for anyone to be negatively impacted by the harsh winter nor for anyone to feel unsafe in public spaces. The Western Cape Government and municipalities like the City of Cape Town are working tirelessly to support homeless individuals, but we cannot do it alone. We would like to encourage communities and affected individuals to work with us,” says Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt.

The department will continue with shelter and reintegration services to homeless individuals. This includes the provision of 2 454 bed spaces per night in shelters (a significant increase from 1 500 funded bed spaces in 2019); reintegration and psychosocial therapeutic services; referrals to clinics; provision of meals; and skills development provided at the 38 funded shelters across the province. A total of 39 social workers and 27 social auxiliary workers are funded by the department and appointed by the shelters to operate on site. These reintegration services enabled the reunification of 736 adults with their families during the 2023/2024 financial year.

Meanwhile, 341 995 vulnerable persons accessed meals at departmental Community Nutrition and Development Centres and funded feeding sites across the province during 2023/24.