The Safe Sleeping Zone
Image: Supplied
As Cape Town's cold and wet winter weather begins to bite, a new temporary shelter capable of accommodating up to 60 people a night has officially opened in the CBD, offering vulnerable homeless residents a safe place to sleep while accessing support services aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
The Safe Sleeping Zone, a partnership between the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and The Haven Night Shelter, was launched under the Selkirk Street carriageway adjacent to The Haven District Six and will operate as a four-month pilot project throughout winter.
The initiative 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 shelter beds and overnight accommodation for people living on the streets.
Speaking at the launch, The Haven Night Shelter chief executive officer Shaddie Valayadum said the project was about far more than providing a bed for the night.
"The Safe Sleeping Zone is not a final destination – it is a stepping stone," he said.
"It creates access to social workers, support services, upskilling opportunities, family reunification programmes and, ultimately, reintegration into society. It is a step towards stability."
Valayadum said even changing the trajectory of one person's life can have a meaningful impact on society.
"Everyone benefits from having even one person move off the streets and rebuild their life. This initiative is about creating those opportunities and making a difference where it matters most."
The Safe Sleeping Zone has been designed as a low-threshold overnight facility, providing a safe, secure and well-lit environment where vulnerable individuals can find refuge from the dangers of sleeping on the streets during winter.
While the CCID Social Development department sponsors 43 shelter beds throughout the year, this number increases by a further 45 beds during winter through shelters including The Haven and Youth Solutions Africa. The emergency shelter will increase the total number of beds sponsored by the CCID during winter to 148.
Ward 115 councillor Ian McMahon welcomed the initiative.
"This programme will do so much by adding 60 extra beds for those needing shelter during the winter. We are grateful for this initiative and to The Haven and the CCID, as it is an excellent additional social service," he said.
CCID Social Development manager Tara Gerardy-Bissolati said the project reflected the strong and longstanding relationship between the CCID and The Haven Night Shelter.
"We are so pleased that through our collaborative efforts, this project, which has been in the making for over a year, has finally opened its doors," she said.
"This is about creating continuity of care for people experiencing homelessness and opportunities for people to rebuild confidence, gain experience, develop professionally and move toward greater stability."
The facility will be managed by a CCID Peer Night Supervisor and supported by six dedicated peer field workers operating on a rotating schedule.
The project also builds on the success of the CCID's peer-to-peer programme, through which 92% of participants have secured formal employment, with six peer field workers moving directly into roles as hosts within The Haven.
The CCID and The Haven have also developed a dedicated digital system and mobile application that securely captures information, monitors placements, strengthens accountability and improves reporting.
"Our intention is that strong operational learning and robust data will support the continuation of the project and potentially its expansion beyond winter," said Gerardy-Bissolati.
CCID chief executive officer Tasso Evangelinos said the Safe Sleeping Zone marked an important step in addressing homelessness in the Cape Town CBD.
"Twenty-six years ago, an estimated 70% of the Western Cape's homeless population was concentrated in the Cape Town city centre. We started seeing meaningful improvements about a decade ago through intervention programmes. The Safe Sleeping Zone is a milestone in this journey."
However, Evangelinos said more facilities were needed to assist people living on the streets.
"We would like to see a space like this established every six months because we need more facilities to help people move off the streets. Our call to action is for everyone who can to do their bit and get involved."