The latest cold snap in South Africa has led to a lot of people asking about which shelters they can support so we decided to compile a countrywide list for you.
South Africa – Shelters across the country all have one goal in mind, getting the vulnerable off the streets, fed and rehabilitated. They are always in need of assistance. The latest cold snap has left many people asking themselves, what can they do to help?
There are many ways to help your local shelter; you can donate non-perishable foods, warm clothing, blankets, toiletries, cleaning products, and so much more. You can call them to see what they are in need of and assist that way as well.
Many have skills workshops, food gardens and other activities that could also be boosted either with tools, skills and expertise, or financial aid.
Below is a detailed list of shelters from every province. This will help you find your nearest one to assist. You may notice some provinces lack any information; this is because we were unable to find, contact and confirm any legitimate shelters within these areas.
This matter is incredibly distressing and highlights a serious problem in South Africa.
If we are missing any that you may know of, pop a comment in the section below, and we will update the list. We want to make this list as comprehensive as possible, so any information will be greatly appreciated.
Eastern Cape
- Maranatha Mission Station in Port Elizabeth houses children, and adults able to work. For full details, see the website here.
- MES Shelter in Port Elizabeth. For full details, see their website here.
Free State
- Bloem Shelter in Bloemfontein houses women, children, the elderly and frail. For full details, see the website here.
Gauteng
- MES Shelter in Hillbrow and Kempton Park. For full details, see their website here.
- The House Group for girls in Hillbrow. For full details, see their website here.
- Windsor West assessment centre in Randburg, the Dan Street shelter assessment centre in Florida and the Governors House assessment centre in Hillbrow all offer ablution facilities (displaced persons can come in for shower/bath and do their laundry), receive hygiene packs; assessment by a social worker and referral to specialised services. However, they do not have overnight facilities.
- Kotze Overnight Shelter in Hillbrow offers overnight shelter, ablution facilities, meals, hygiene packs, support groups and temporary job placement.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Youth For Christ in Durban houses children. For full details, see the website here.
Limpopo
To be confirmed
Mpumalanga
- Roepingsbond Home in Witbank, Mpumalanga. For full details, see their website here.
North West
To be confirmed
Northern Cape
To be confirmed
Western Cape
- The Haven Night Shelter has 15 different shelters across the Western Cape, including Belville, Ceres, Claremont, Distict Six, Kalk Bay, Kensington, Kraaifontein, Greenpoint, Mosselbay, Paarl, Swartland, Retreat, two in Woodstock (one specifically for the elderly) and Wynberg. For full contact details on each one, see their website here.
- Elim Night Shelter in Elsies River. For full contact details, see the website here.
- George Night Shelter in Eden, George. For full contact details, see the website here.
- Happy Valley Shelter in Simon’s Town. For full contact details, see the website here.
- Loaves and Fishes Shelter in Mowbray. For full contact details, see the website here.
- MES Shelter in Belville. For full contact details, see their website here.
- Nuwe Begin Skuiling Shelter in Breede Valley. For full contact details, see the website here.
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