Winter support for vulnerable residents in Cape Town

As winter approaches, the City of Cape Town has opened applications for non-profit shelters seeking assistance to expand bed space for vulnerable residents.

The annual Winter Readiness Programme, which runs from Monday, May 4 until Friday, October 30, is aimed at helping shelters prepare for the seasonal spike in demand as colder weather sets in. 

Qualifying organisations have until Tuesday, March 31, to apply for support.

Participating shelters will receive essential supplies, including bedding, blankets, food items, hygiene products,s and cleaning materials, said a City statement released on Wednesday, February 18.

The City will also deploy workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) with administrative and general duties, allowing shelter staff to focus on care services.

To qualify, organisations must be registered as non-profit or public benefit bodies and comply with relevant regulations. 

This includes approved building plans, adherence to health and safety standards, and documentation confirming that facilities are suitable for food preparation and temporary expansion of accommodation, said the statement.

According to municipal data from the second half of 2025, outreach teams dealt with 6 103 service requests, conducted more than 5 400 assessments and 9 500 follow-up visits, and facilitated 1 075 placements in shelters or designated safe spaces.

City officials noted that some individuals later secured employment, including work as an e-hailing driver and a chef, demonstrating how temporary assistance can lead to longer-term stability.

The winter initiative forms part of broader interventions such as Safe Spaces, public awareness campaigns, and outreach conducted by the Street People Unit.

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, stressed the importance of early preparation.

“Winter is one of the hardest times for people living on the streets, and we know the pressure this places on our shelters. Through this programme, the City is working with our NGO partners across Cape Town to provide safe, dignified spaces and practical support. I encourage all eligible shelters to apply so that, together, we can help more residents come in from the cold and access the support they need,” she said.

Meanwhile, residents in Table View and Milnerton say they have noticed a rise in homelessness in recent months, with limited shelter space available in both areas.

Table View resident Andre Bruin said makeshift camps have been established along open spaces near the R27 and Sandown Road, as well as in several parks.

“We are too scared to approach them because we fear being attacked. All we can do is log our C3 service requests with the City of Cape Town and wait,” he said.

The Table View Community Clean Up organisation has urged residents to give responsibly rather than handing out goods directly.

The group said unwanted items, including old furniture and clothing, often end up dumped along pavements and in open spaces, creating additional waste and undermining efforts to keep the area clean.

Camilla Singh of Milnerton said it is alarming to see homeless children who should be in school begging alongside their parents.

“It breaks my heart seeing these children, but it is better to encourage them to go to shelters or organisations that assist families in need,” she said.

2HO (2 Help Others) in Richwood is one of the organisations focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

The organisation accepts donations such as pre-loved clothing, as well as tinned and fresh food.

If you would like to contact them, you can email tohelpothers5@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp message to 074 210 1578.

Find Tabletalk on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza