The City of Cape Town has announced significant upgrades to the Culemborg Safe Space 1, its foundational pilot site launched in 2018, as part of its ongoing commitment to helping people off the streets.
The R7.7 million investment modernises the facility into dormitory-style accommodation and introduces an innovative 16-bed ‘sober space’ pilot at the neighbouring Safe Space 2 site.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed satisfaction with the progress during a visit last week.
"I was pleased to view these Safe Space upgrades, which are part of our ongoing expansion of social services to help people off the streets in Cape Town," he said.
He said that the upgrades brought Safe Space 1 in line with more recent investments, such as the 300-bed Ebenezer Safe Space opened in Green Point.
Upgrades to Safe Space 1 include dormitory-style sleeping quarters and ablution facilities, a designated training area for skills development, a covered dining area with washing facilities, a dedicated washing line area, and an enclosed refuse room.
The pioneering "sober space" at Safe Space 2 is a critical move to better manage the complexities of homelessness.
This 16-bed pilot is being run in partnership with the non-government organisation Streetscapes and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID).
The initiative aims to safely manage situations where existing Safe Space residents return to the facility intoxicated, ensuring the safety and well-being of all clients.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said: "One of the latest exciting additions is the partnership with Streetscapes and the CCID on a pilot sober space to help safely manage clients who arrive back at our Culemborg facility intoxicated.
According to the municipality, Cape Town remains the only metro in South Africa with a funded social services programme dedicated to helping individuals transition off the streets.
The City’s multi-pronged approach includes: A major expansion target aims to increase City-funded shelter beds from the current 1 400 to more than 2 200 over the next three years, covering both City-run facilities and NGO-run night shelters.
This includes supporting the Haven Night Shelter facilities, such as expanding the Napier Street shelter by 63 percent and the Retreat shelter by more than doubling its capacity.
The Safe Space model offers a holistic suite of services, including dignified shelter, two meals daily, access to social workers, skills training, job placement - including expanded public works programme (EPWP) work placement, personal development planning, and crucial access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment.
The City runs the Matrix substance abuse treatment programme, reporting an 83 percent success rate, directly addressing a key driver of homelessness.
Mr Hill-Lewis said that the City is helping people choose social support, reintegration, and even family reunification, over the undignified, unhealthy, and unsafe conditions of life on the streets.
The City also has a walk-in centre on the Strand Street concourse in the Cape Town CBD, providing vital services to clients.
This centre, open Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 4pm, is currently undergoing upgrades valued at over R400 000, ensuring a more welcoming space for social assistance.
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