Shelters urged to apply for Winter Readiness Programme

Shelters are advised to apply for the City of Cape Towns Winter Readiness Programme.
Registered non-profit organisations have until Friday April 5 to submit applications for the City of Cape Town’s Winter Readiness Programme.

The programme, which runs from May to September annually, supports organisations that provide shelter for homeless people by supplementing their available resources for those in need.

The City has set aside a budget of R700 000 for this year.

Organisations which provide temporary mattress space during the winter period and who meet the stipulated criteria, will receive food parcels, toiletries, mattresses and bedding as well as Expanded Public Works Programme workers to assist with cooking and cleaning.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Zahid Badroodien, said: “I encourage organisations who want to apply to make sure that they meet all of the criteria and have all the relevant documentation to ensure that their application is successful.”

Meanwhile, plans are also under way to get the Safe Space through its first winter. The City’s social development and early childhood development department has ordered extra blankets and waterproof sleeping bags and has requested the cleaning of culverts along the Culemborg Bridge to minimise leaks. Increased waterproofing of the fence will also be done.