The Western Cape Government has expanded its homelessness support programme, funding 2 610 bed spaces across 35 night-shelters that will collectively assist approximately 6 000 people annually through a rotational shelter model.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed the intervention, which forms part of the province’s winter readiness programme aimed at supporting vulnerable residents during colder months. The programme provides temporary accommodation as well as access to meals, psychosocial support, and reintegration services.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has allocated R36.8 million to homelessness services.
Support provided through the shelters includes temporary accommodation, daily meals and additional food assistance, counselling and psychosocial support, skills development and income-generating initiatives, family reunification and reintegration services, as well as essential items such as blankets, mattresses, and toiletries. Additional operational support is also provided during winter.
The DA has also highlighted the ongoing work of the DA-led City of Cape Town in addressing homelessness through coordinated social programmes and partnerships with non-governmental and community organisations. The city recently joined the global Vanguard Cities network, which focuses on reducing homelessness, and continues to expand programmes aimed at moving people off the streets into support services.
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, said homelessness remains a significant social challenge, particularly during winter when vulnerable individuals are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
She said the provincial government and City of Cape Town are prioritising interventions that provide immediate relief while also supporting longer-term reintegration and stability for affected individuals.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed the intervention, which forms part of the province’s winter readiness programme aimed at supporting vulnerable residents during colder months. The programme provides temporary accommodation as well as access to meals, psychosocial support, and reintegration services.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has allocated R36.8 million to homelessness services.
Support provided through the shelters includes temporary accommodation, daily meals and additional food assistance, counselling and psychosocial support, skills development and income-generating initiatives, family reunification and reintegration services, as well as essential items such as blankets, mattresses, and toiletries. Additional operational support is also provided during winter.
The DA has also highlighted the ongoing work of the DA-led City of Cape Town in addressing homelessness through coordinated social programmes and partnerships with non-governmental and community organisations. The city recently joined the global Vanguard Cities network, which focuses on reducing homelessness, and continues to expand programmes aimed at moving people off the streets into support services.
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, said homelessness remains a significant social challenge, particularly during winter when vulnerable individuals are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
She said the provincial government and City of Cape Town are prioritising interventions that provide immediate relief while also supporting longer-term reintegration and stability for affected individuals.