As freezing weather grips Cape Town, U-turn Homeless Ministries is stepping up emergency shelter efforts, and calling on the public to help provide blankets, food, and warmth to those living on the streets.
Cape Town South Africa (26 June 2025) – As Cape Town’s skies darken and the cold sets in, U-turn Homeless Ministries is doing more than just braving the storm, they’re opening their doors wider than ever, offering critical shelter and care to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. And they’re asking the public to help them do it.
With icy rain pounding the streets and temperatures plummeting, U-turn has seen a sharp surge in homeless individuals arriving at their centres seeking warmth, food, and safety. In response, the organisation has activated its emergency support plan, scaling up shelter capacity and resources to meet the growing need.
“When the weather turns severe, the need on the streets grows rapidly. We want to respond—and with the public’s help, we can,” says Jean-Ray Knighton-Fitt, CEO of U-turn.
While U-turn’s primary focus is long-term rehabilitation and reintegration, in times like these, immediate care becomes the lifeline. That care is powered by kindness, community, and quick action.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate:
Essential items like blankets, yoga mats, non-perishable food, stewing meat, tea, coffee, sugar, long-life milk, toilet paper, and second-hand clothing (especially men’s sizes S–M).
Drop-offs:
These can be made at U-turn’s Head Office (155 Second Avenue, Kenilworth) from 08:30–21:00 until Friday 27 June, and 08:00–12:00 on Saturday 28 June.
Or make a financial donation, every rand helps someone stay warm, fed, and safe. You can find out how, here.
This week, as we pull out our own blankets and huddle indoors, let’s remember those without walls. Your contribution, however small, can offer someone more than just shelter, it can offer dignity, warmth, and a little hope in the middle of a Cape winter.
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