The City will be disbursing aid to 16 organisations that have all successfully applied for assistance during winter.

The annual Winter Readiness Programme, which was officially launched today, 30 April 2019, and which runs from May to September, sees the City supporting organisations that have met all of the criteria that are required to be adhered to in order to be eligible for support. Successful applicants therefore undergo a rigorous vetting process.

'The disbursement of R700 000 is part of our Winter Readiness Programme for street people and will enable shelters to offer temporary mattress space, among others, during the cold winter season. The disbursement contributes towards the required groceries, toiletries, and bedding. It also helps with Expanded Public Works Programme work opportunities to provide assistance with cooking and cleaning,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between the City and the respective organisations to ensure that all parties comply with their roles and responsibilities.

'Winter is especially difficult for those living on the street and the shelters ensure that as many street people as possible have access to a warm bed, a hot meal and toiletries. Those who work in shelters care for some of the city's most vulnerable residents and the aid we provide will assist with the increased demand during winter,' said Councillor Badroodien.

The organisations who have received this aid are:

• The Somerset West Night Shelter
• Happy Valley Home
• Tygerberg Association for Street People
• Ubuntu Circle of Courage
• Oasis Reach for a Dream
• Elim Night Shelter
• Haven Bellville
• Haven Claremont
• Haven District 6
• Haven Kalk Bay
• Haven Kraaifontein
• Haven Kensington
• Haven Moira Henderson
• Haven Napier Street, Green Point
• Haven Retreat
• Haven Wynberg

In addition, the City’s Safe Space, an overnight facility under the Culemborg Bridge, is currently offering an alternative to sleeping on the streets to 211 clients and extra blankets and waterproof sleeping bags have been secured.

The City also encourages residents to please give responsibly by not giving hand-outs directly to people living on the street which may encourage the refusal of our social services. Instead, please donate directly to the organisations and shelters that assist them.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the City’s toll-free number on 0800 872 201 to find out how they can assist. The City’s Safe Space can be contacted on 021 801 0140 or by email: streetpeoplesafespace@gmail.com

In addition to the 600 EPWP work opportunities created by the City’s Street People Reintegration Unit, the programme will be facilitating 70 work opportunities for people living on the street. These beneficiaries will be placed at shelters through the Expanded Public Works Programme for the duration of the Winter Readiness Programme.

'The sad reality is that homelessness is a worldwide phenomenon and our Street People Reintegration Unit focusses on social outreach with the key aim of reducing the number of people on the street. Unfortunately, we cannot force street people to accept the voluntary services which are on offer, but we can make it easier for those who want to better their lives. In this vein we also assist those organisations that make winter a little more bearable for street people,' said Councillor Badroodien.

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