Social Development

(a) The Western Cape Department of Social Development (WC DSD) renders support to homeless individuals through the subsidization of services provided by funded non-profit organisations (NPOs) operating shelters across the Province. For the 2026/27 financial year, the Department is funding 2 610 bed spaces across 35-night shelters. Owing to the rotational nature of shelter accommodation, these facilities are able to assist approximately 6 000 homeless individuals annually.

In respect of the services provided:

(i) Shelter

Funded shelters provide temporary, safe accommodation to homeless adults. During the winter period, shelters may implement temporary capacity expansions, subject to compliance with applicable safety regulations, in order to respond to increased demand.

(ii) Food

Shelters provide meals to residents as part of their service offering. During the winter readiness period, additional support is provided, including the provision of non-perishable food items, to ensure adequate nutrition for shelter residents.

(iii) Social Services

Funded shelters, in partnership with the Department, render a comprehensive package of short-term and developmental social services, including:

•           Screening, assessment and referral services;

•           Social work interventions such as counselling, case management and group work;

•           Development and implementation of individual development plans;

•           Skills development and income-generating programmes;

•           Education and awareness initiatives; and

•           Family reunification and reintegration services.

In addition, WC DSD social workers provide ongoing psychosocial support and facilitate referrals to appropriate services and safe spaces.

During the winter period, these services are further strengthened through participation in the City of Cape Town’s Winter Readiness Campaign, which runs until September. Additional support provided during this period includes:

•           Provision of toiletries, blankets and mattresses;

•           Deployment of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers; and

•           Financial assistance to offset increased operational costs, including water, sanitation, food, staffing and bedding.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Department has allocated a total budget of R36 835 251.00 towards homelessness services, including the subsidization of night shelters forming part of the Winter Programme.

(b) The Department’s interventions have contributed to expanded access to temporary shelter and integrated social services for homeless individuals, particularly during periods of increased vulnerability such as winter. The rotational shelter model enhances the reach of services, enabling a greater number of individuals to access support annually. However, the Department acknowledges that demand for safe accommodation continues to exceed available capacity, driven by complex socio-economic factors. While the current interventions play a critical role in providing immediate relief and facilitating pathways towards reintegration, sustained collaboration with municipalities, NPO partners and other stakeholders remains essential to progressively address the growing need for long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness in the Province.