Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis at the Safe Space shelter that opened in Durbanville in April. A similar facility is planned for Muizenberg.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced the City’s approval of funding to build a new homeless shelter in Muizenberg.
The Safe Space facility will be the sixth of its kind in the city, following the opening of one in Durbanville in April and the upcoming launch of a 300-bed Safe Space in Green Point.
The Mayoral Fund will contribute R4 million to the project, which will be matched by a private donor, according to a City statement.
These funds will enable U-Turn, a non-profit organisation that helps the homeless get off the streets, to operate the site for the first three years.
"We are pleased to donate R4 million from the Mayoral Fund towards a Muizenberg Safe Space. Over the next three years, more than R220 million will be allocated to expanding and operating Safe Spaces across the city,” said Mr Hill-Lewis.
According to the City, the City-funded Safe Spaces offer dignified shelter and social programmes designed to help street people reintegrate into society.
Services include personal development planning, employment opportunities, and referrals for mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment.
The City is assessing the terms of a proposed lease for a suitable municipal site.
A public participation process will follow to finalise the lease and obtain any necessary planning approvals.
“It's a long-term goal that's coming to fruition,” said U-Turn spokesperson Valerie Govender. “The City will provide R4 million towards construction, renovation, and operation. Our hope is that the new Safe Space will open by the end of 2024."
U-Turn already runs a daytime service centre in Muizenberg, and Ms Govender said a Safe Space would make it easier for the homeless to find their way off the streets.
“The Muizenberg Safe Space will have a positive impact on the community. Safe Spaces and shelters are a crucial first step for people to leave the streets,” she said.
“Over 90% of people who complete this journey with U-Turn remain housed, employed, and sober long term. A safe place to sleep is an important early step in this process.”
Muizenberg residents would benefit as there would be fewer people sleeping rough and engaging in activities associated with homelessness, she said, adding, “More importantly, it will help more people leave the streets permanently.”
The City’s funding would enable U-Turn to launch the project, but the organisation would need substantial funding from the community and local businesses to sustain it, she said.
"We urge community groups and businesses to support U-Turn as we equip people affected by homelessness with skills to overcome life on the streets," she said.
For more information, contact Valerie Govender at valerie.govender@homeless.org.za.