Sustainable Solutions

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Social and Economic Development

The urban management survey conducted indicates that street people, homelessness and vagrancy is a concern in Pinelands. In this regard there is an understanding and a willingness to assist in dealing with this problem by partnering with NPO’s / NGOs and other City initiatives (Displaced People Unit) capable of addressing the issue.

Homelessness has a devastating impact on the health of people who directly experience it including increased illness, higher use of health services and early death. While some people become homeless as a result of mental illness, it is also well known that the experience of homelessness can exacerbate existing problems and lead to new mental health problems, including addiction. City Improvement Districts across Cape Town and they strive to better the communities they serve. Our social development programme offers support services and access to safe spaces.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces were established to address the shortage of shelter space and help those who no longer want to live on the street. The City currently has four Safe Spaces, which provide overnight accommodation, access to ablution facilities and secure storage facilities for personal belongings. The sites also have a dedicated Law Enforcement team to provide 24-hour security.

Each person who makes use of a Safe Space is assigned a:

storage locker;
bunk bed/sleeping pallet;
sleeping bag and blanket;
wellness pack containing hygiene essentials; and
refreshment pack containing, sugar, milk, coffee and tea.

The use of a Safe Space is entirely voluntary, and the benefits for rough sleepers include:

access to on-site social workers;
a secure and safe area to sleep;
a drug-free/alcohol-free/weapon-free space;
clean water and ablution facilities;
storage facilities to keep their possessions safe.

Safe Space clients are also able to access training and development opportunities such as:

art and trauma therapy;
computer skills;
entrepreneurship programmes;
family strengthening programmes;
youth skills development (over 18s only).

Rough sleepers who make use of a Safe Space can also access the following:

Assistance with obtaining identity documents and social grants;
Assistance with personal development plans;
Donated food and clothing;
Medical assessments, HIV testing and support with substance abuse rehabilitation;
Referral to specialist social services, if required;
Relocation to place of origin;
Reintegration into society;
Reunification with family members;
Short-term job opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Give Dignity

Give Dignity to change lives. Donate to help people living on the street meet their basic needs. Learn More

The City of Cape Town is running an initiative to raise awareness around the plight of people living on the street. The initiative emphasises the importance of giving those in need a hand up rather than a handout. Instead of a cash handout, which often increases the risk of prolongued homelessness, it encourages you to make a donation.

Your donation can help someone meet their basic needs, including:

Breakfast or a hot meal
A night in a warm bed
A mask or hand sanitiser

In the right hands, your donation goes further.

CONTACT DETAILS

Displaced People Unit: 021 480 7700

Haven Night Shelter Kensington: 021 593 0276

Culemborg Safe Space: 021 427 9275

communityartsandculturedevelopment@capetown.gov.za

CID Defined Area

The defined area includes the suburb Pinelands in its entirety along its boundaries. The proposed area covers:

Northern Boundary: Up to and including ERF 3078 (Old Mutual Head Office)
East Boundary: Along the Western Boundary of Jan Smuts Drive until it intersects with the Railway Reserve
South Boundary: Along the North Boundary of the Railway Reserve and the Golf Course
Western Boundary: Along the Eastern side of the Railway Reserve, skirts the Pinelands Business Park up to Avonduur
Along Sunrise Road ERF 110934, Wattle Grove Road and properties both side of Ambleside.