In Pictures: The Cape Town Safe Space for the Homeless is ready to take them in

The Cape Town Safe Space for the homeless has officially opened and it is set to be a transitional shelter to help get people off the streets.

Councillor Shayne Ramsay and her colleagues paid a visit to the new Safe Space located in the Culemborg area (just beyond the Toyota dealership).

“Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the City’s new Safe Space for homeless people. The site in Culemborg (just beyond the Toyota dealership) offers a secure place to sleep under cover, with washing, cooking and ablution facilities as well as lockers for safe storage of goods during the day. The space also offers medical health treatment and assistance in planning a future with social workers on site.” – Cllr. Shayne Ramsay

The site was launched to address the lack of beds available for the homeless at various other shelters. It is estimated that the site will be able to accomidate 200 or more people at one time. Since the announcement a few weeks ago, the space has been tested by 15 homeless people. They have given feedback and the city has listened.

“There are 15 street people who have been accommodated thus far, and all have returned nightly since we opened,”

“They have provided valuable feedback and we now have a list of street people who have expressed interest in being accommodated at the site once it is fully operational.” – Mayoral committee member for safety and security, and social services JP Smith

The site is fully equiped to address a number fo various needs. As of August, they will include health services and assistance with any substance abuse issues.

Take a look at some of the images Councillor Shayne Ramsay shared below.