In response to a Western Cape High Court directive, more than 150 homeless individuals have agreed to move into designated Safe Spaces provided by the City of Cape Town. The court’s order, aimed at clearing several CBD areas of illegal encampments, affects locations such as Buitengracht Street and FW De Klerk Boulevard, among others.
The city has organized a scheduled move from August 5 to 9, to transition these individuals to facilities like the newly opened 300-bed Ebenezer Safe Space and the Culemborg Safe Space 2. After August 12, the city will enforce evictions for those who have not relocated.
The Safe Spaces program, part of a broader initiative involving additional shelters operated by organizations like MES and The Haven, now offers a total of 1,070 beds, with more to be added in areas including Green Point and Muizenberg. MES and The Haven contribute an additional 214 emergency beds in the Northern Suburbs.
Residents of these facilities benefit from comprehensive support services including meals, ablution facilities, medical care, and assistance with obtaining ID documents and social grants. Social workers are on-site to aid with family reunification, and various programs are available for those dealing with addiction, including the city’s Matrix program.
Furthermore, the Safe Spaces provide skills training and job placement programs to aid residents in reintegrating into society. According to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, these initiatives are essential for helping individuals transition off the streets permanently.
The city has committed R220 million over the next three years to expand these facilities, ensuring continued support for Cape Town’s homeless population.
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