Not so happy Xmas for the homeless

CHRISTMAS is a time for family, food and festivities, but thousands of homeless people living on the streets of Cape Town will be alone and go hungry this festive season.

According to a survey by the City of Cape Town in March 2015, there were more than 7 383 homeless people in the city – with almost 4 860 living on the streets and 1 200 in shelters. In the Cape Town CBD alone there are 1 200 street people, said JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security and social services.

“Bear in mind that this count is two years old and does not take into account additional migration since this time. It also does not necessarily account for the people who are begging on the streets daily.

“Neither does it account for the parolees that have been released, and who have migrated to the streets, during the year.”

Smith said a number of people were driven from their homes to the streets as a result of socio- economic issues, abuse, broken families and unemployment.

The City, provincial government, shelters and various organisations, through the help of sponsors look to help homeless people get back on their feet. Shelters and organisations across the city are doing their bit to lift the spirits of the homeless during the festive season.

The OWL Haven Shelter is one of the places hosting a Christmas lunch for residents. Phoccia Titus, social worker and facility manager at the shelter, said they would be catering for about 80 people, between the ages of 25 and 95.

“We try to make the lunch homely and festive for them.”