New Safe Sleeping Zone opens in District Six
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Safe Sleeping Zone in District Six, from left are Haven Night Shelter CEO Pastor Shaddie Valayadum, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) social development manager, Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, and CEO Tasso Evangelinos.
Image: Wesley Ford
A new Safe Sleeping Zone providing temporary overnight shelter for up to 60 people experiencing homelessness during the winter months has opened at The Haven Night Shelter's District Six branch.
The Safe Sleeping Zone is a four-month pilot project established through a partnership between The Haven Night Shelter and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID).
The facility provides 60 beds and access to ablution facilities to support people living on the streets.
The Haven Night Shelter CEO, Pastor Shaddie Valayadum, said the initiative reflects the shared vision of both organisations that no one should be forced to sleep on the streets.
“This Safe Sleeping Zone will serve as a one-night sleeping facility, with the hope that we can encourage homeless individuals to come into our shelter and receive the full package of support, including medical assistance, a warm bed, hot meals, shelter facilities and access to social workers,” he said.
Valayadum said the project is focused on creating meaningful change, one person at a time.
“If one person can come off the street, enter our Safe Sleeping Zone and then transition into our shelter, become upskilled, secure employment and be reintegrated with their family, the benefits extend to communities, businesses and schools,” he said.
CCID social development manager Tara Gerardy-Bissolati said the initiative is more than a temporary response to homelessness and is intended to provide a safe pathway towards development and long-term support.
“The Safe Sleeping Zone will support vulnerable individuals with dignity and care,” she said.
“Winter is particularly harsh for people living on the streets, who are exposed to freezing temperatures, wet conditions and safety risks, often with limited access to appropriate shelter. Our aim with this project is to improve quality of life and foster a more inclusive CBD.”
Gerardy-Bissolati said the emergency shelter programme will operate for the next four months, after which its future will be assessed.
“It will be data-dependent to determine whether this is something that we will continue,” she said.
Testing out the beds at the Safe Sleeping Zone, from left are the Haven Night Shelter board member, Ezra October, their CEO, Pastor Shaddie Valayadum, Streetscapes representative, Jesse Laitinen, and CCID Social Development Manager, Tara Gerardy-Bissolati.
Image: Wesley Ford