SOPHIA Schalk and Nathaniel Booysen were married on World Homeless Day yesterday.

With them is pastor Manuel Benans. Many homeless people were hosted with entertainment, hair cuts and grooming, culminating in the wedding.

WORLD Homeless Day was celebrated with the purpose of listening to those who live on the streets and being more attentive to their needs in society.

Yesterday, The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department hosted a gathering for a large group of homeless people at the Culemborg Safe Space on the Foreshore.

Safe Space was established in June as a space where the homeless can sleep and store their belongings.

The event was held to raise awareness and educate those who live on the streets about the services available to them. About 300 homeless people attended.

Lorraine Frost, head of Vulnerable Groups and Communities at the City, said: “It’s been a long journey to get here. It’s rewarding to see it come together. I’m passionate about assisting street people to improve their lives and to provide a safe space and a space where they can get services with the aim of getting them off the streets in the long-term.”

Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the City’s Street People Policy has been introduced.

“The policy will help the homeless find temporary work and will establish local networks of care within communities where they can work with individuals who are in vulnerable situations and who are at risk of becoming homeless.”

It was also a time for celebration as the venue played host for the second time to a wedding, where Sophia Schalk and Nathaniel Booysen married in front of a large crowd.

The day was also an opportunity for the homeless to access social services and social workers and to receive assistance on ways to get their ID documents. |