New Sleeping Zone Set to Support Chronic Homeless in Cape Town’s CBD

No one should sleep exposed to the cold. That is why the Cape Town Central City Improvement District and The Haven Night Shelter have partnered to launch the ‘Safe Sleeping... The post New Sleeping Zone Set to Support Chronic Homeless in Cape Town’s CBD appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 28, 2026 - 15:29

New Sleeping Zone Set to Support Chronic Homeless in Cape Town’s CBD

No one should sleep exposed to the cold. That is why the Cape Town Central City Improvement District and The Haven Night Shelter have partnered to launch the ‘Safe Sleeping Zone’ – a safe space designed to deliver practical support to the city’s unhoused and most vulnerable.

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2026) – In an effort to bring comfort and shelter to unhoused individuals during Cape Town’s harsh winter months, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has joined forces and hearts with The Haven Night Shelter.

Together, they are launching the ‘Safe Sleeping Zone’, an initiative designed to provide a secure and welcoming space for those in need. This groundbreaking pilot project will open its doors next week on Tuesday, 2 June, running for an initial four-month period.

According to Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, CCID’s Social Development Manager, the initiative is a core part of the organisation’s broader Winter Readiness Programme.

More than just a place to sleep, the project offers temporary shelter and practical support tailored specifically for chronically homeless individuals who often find themselves excluded from existing facilities due to strict eligibility criteria.

Gerardy Bissolati says the Safe Sleeping Zone will support vulnerable individuals with dignity and care.

“Winter is very harsh for people living on the streets as they are exposed to freezing temperatures, wet and unsafe conditions. They often have limited access to suitable shelter. Our aim with this project is to improve the quality of life and foster a more inclusive CBD.”

Safe Structured Overnight Accommodation

Located in District Six under the Selkirk Street carriageway (adjacent to The Haven Night Shelter), the temporary facility will operate until September 2026, offering safe and structured overnight accommodation.

“At the heart of the initiative is the idea that no one should sleep exposed to the cold, and we are grateful that through this collaboration, we can create meaningful impact,” says The Haven CEO Shaddie Valayadum.

“It has been designed as low-threshold sleeping space, or overnight emergency accommodation rather than long-term housing, providing vulnerable individuals with protection during winter.”

CCID CEO, Tasso Evangelinos, says the project, which is an innovative intervention, has strong potential for growth.

“While it is a targeted response to immediate winter needs, our hope is that its success will pave the way for expansion into other parts of the CBD and beyond.”

The Safe Sleeping Zone forms part of the CCID’s Winter Readiness Programme for 2026, which sees the organisation expand its support during the colder months by increasing access to additional bed space for clients at The Haven and Youth Solutions Africa.

While CCID Social Development sponsors 43 beds at shelters throughout the year, during winter it increases this by 45 more beds, helping to meet the heightened demand for safe overnight shelter during winter. The emergency shelter will increase the total bed space sponsored by the CCID during winter to 148.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Liam Abrahams (Omnicom)

Controlled Referral

Access to the site will be managed through a controlled referral and ticket-based system, with individuals referred directly by the CCID from within its 1.6 km² footprint. The shelter will open nightly at 7 pm, with final entry at 9.30 pm, and residents exiting the site at 6.30am the following morning.

The facility will be equipped with a maximum of 60 fold-up stretchers, emergency blankets and pillows. Basic nourishment, including a hot drink, will be provided.

Residents will also receive off-site meal tokens for NGO The Service Dining Rooms. Ablution facilities and secure container storage will be available on-site, while the area will be enclosed by perimeter fencing, well-lit, and monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure safety and security. Dedicated security guards and overnight supervisors will also be present.

Couples will be accommodated. The shelter will operate under clear rules to support the safety and well-being of all occupants. In addition, six CCID peer field workers will be on duty at the site, all of whom have received training in First Aid, mental health de-escalation, harm reduction 8and induction processes.

Significant Relief During Winter

According to the Haven, an estimated 14,000 people are living on the streets in the city, but only around 3,800 shelter beds are available. At its District Six facility, it has 90 beds available.

“Winter places significant strain on shelters as demand for warm beds and basic care increases, particularly during storms and periods of severe weather,” says Valayadum.

“By mid-June, which is only the beginning of winter, we often see our capacity already exceeding 80 %. The Safe Sleeping Zone will provide significant and much-needed relief by helping to ease capacity constraints.”