Upgraded Kensington Shelter Expands Dignity, Comfort and Safety to 200 People

Photo Credit: City of Cape Town

From 80 beds to 200, Kensington’s newly upgraded Haven shelter is opening its doors wider to help more people get off the streets and back on their feet.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2026) – Where once only 80 people could escape the street’s dangers and the night’s bitter cold, 200 can now find that same safety and warmth.

Since 1978, the Haven Night Shelter Welfare Organisation has offered temporary shelter, physical care, social support, and family reunification services to homeless adults across the Western Cape.

Recent upgrades to its Kensington shelter mean the organisation can now reach even more individuals working through difficult circumstances to rebuild their lives.

Funded by a R12 million City upgrade project, the expansion has increased the shelter’s capacity by 150%. Beyond adding beds, the project also renovated kitchen and bathroom facilities, updated flooring and paint, and installed new fire safety measures.

The Kensington project is part of a broader push to expand support across the city. Similar upgrades at Haven-run shelters in Retreat will triple bed capacity to nearly 300, while the CBD shelter recently saw a 63% boost, going from 96 to 156 beds. Hundreds more beds will also be added through the City’s various other expansion projects in the pipeline.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said it was a joy to see the results of the upgrade to the Haven Night Shelter, which is in line with the City’s pledge to help many more people rebuild their lives off the streets, while restoring previously occupied public spaces.

“Over this term, we have nearly doubled Cape Town’s shelter network to over 1,300 beds, adding around 640 new beds. That includes 340 at the new City Safe Spaces in Green Point and Durbanville, and 300 beds from expansions to Haven-operated shelters. We have also upgraded facilities at the City’s two Culemborg Safe Spaces in the CBD, with many more exciting projects in the pipeline to expand shelters across the metro,” Hill-Lewis explained.

For many previously left out in the cold as night falls, these improvements offer a renewed sense of hope. They mean a better chance of finding a safe place to stay – complete with a hot meal, a shower, a dignified place to rest, and the social support needed to help them get back on their feet.

Over the next three years, the City said R62m will go to shelter expansion projects, including a new Safe Space in Kuils River, the redevelopment of the Paint City Safe Space in Bellville and expansions to Haven Night Shelters in Wynberg and District Six.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, added that although homelessness is a complex social challenge, investment in expanding accommodation, supporting outreach teams, and working with NGO partners is vital to helping vulnerable people turn their lives around.

“Every person who accepts assistance is a step towards lasting change, and we remain committed to ensuring that support is available to everyone willing to take that first step to leaving the streets for good,” said Higham.