More funds for organisations helping the city’s homeless

THREE major organisations working with the homeless in Cape Town will receive more than R3 million to increase their capacity and efficiency.

The Haven Night Shelter, Streetscapes and the U-turn Homeless Service Centre said they would use the funds to build infrastructure, for meal provisions, and for their development and skills programmes.

The disbursement of funds was approved through the adjustments budget at a recent Council sitting.

The Haven Night Shelter will receive R750 000.

It’s chief executive, Hassan Khan, said that the money would help to ensure that homeless people had access to dignified meals and services.

“The Haven’s mission is to help the homeless get back to a home, family and community.

“This funding will help us get more people at home,” Khan said.

The U-turn Homeless Service Centre acting director and chief operating officer, Jon Hopkins, said: “U-turn is deeply encouraged by the City’s investment in long-term solutions to homelessness.

“U-turn, in addition to providing food and clothing, importantly forms part of a successful long-term rehabilitation and skills development programme with 80% of its graduates remaining employed and sober.”

Streetscapes will use its R1.4 million to help provide job opportunities to street people.

“We are delighted that we can continue developing real solutions to addressing the growing homelessness issue in partnership with the City.

“The partnership stretches beyond funding and we are grateful for that,” said Jesse Laitinen, manager of strategic partnerships at Khulisa Social Solutions.

The City said the disbursement of funds will start once the beneficiaries have provided relevant documentation required in terms of the City’s Grant-in-Aid policy.

“We know that simply investing in short-term solutions to keep people off the streets will not make the meaningful impact that this administration is after.

“The City further recognises that partnerships with organisations that have solid track records is crucial to achieving our ultimate goal of successfully reintegrating as many street people as possible,” said Mayco member for health Zahid Badroodien.