Shelters scramble as heavy rain continues

Services at shelters for homeless people across Cape Town have been stretched as strong winds and heavy rains lashed the city this week.

At the Kensington shelter, several areas were still waterlogged when GroundUp visited on Thursday afternoon. Makeshift barriers of towels and blankets were placed down on the ground to keep the water out. Genevieve Botha said she has been living on the streets near the city centre for seven months after she could no longer pay her rent. “It was like hell. When it started to hail, I felt it on my head. I was soaking wet. The wind could have blown us away,” she said. “Surviving on the streets is very tough and very dangerous.”Ashraf Adams was homeless for three months before moving into the shelter earlier this year. “Living outside … you always have to fight a lot of battles.

Stephen Underwood, spokesperson at U-Turn, said, “This storm is unusually bad. In winter we always get more clients coming through but not in the numbers we’re seeing now. I think most of the shelters are in a similar boat.” Edward Louw has lived on the streets for several years. “Everything was wet, soaking wet … God is good, he will bring sunshine,” he said.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Shelters in Cape Town are filling up as winter bitesShelters for homeless people across Cape Town are filling up as winter bites. The Haven, which has 14 shelters and 1 300 beds, says the shelters are already 85% full. While the weather is good, says Haven CEO Shaddie Valayadum, it is possible to make money on the streets.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

Court approves final eviction for Cape Town homeless, offers Safe Space sheltersCourt approves final eviction for Cape Town homeless, offers Safe Space shelters
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

Cape Town shelters overwhelmed as court orders evictionsAs winter arrives, Cape Town's homeless shelters are already overwhelmed, and a recent court ruling may intensify the strain. The Western Cape High Court has issued a final eviction order for the homeless to vacate the Cape Town CBD by 30 July, relocating them to the City's Safe Space shelters.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

City of Cape Town increases aid to shelters during winterThe City of Cape Town has ramped up assistance to 12 shelters around the city by disbursing aid to the value of R157 000 during the winter.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

IT Engineer - Western Cape Cape TownIT Industry News. Daily.
Source: ITOnlineSA - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »

Software Developer Analyst at Accenture - Western Cape Cape TownIT Industry News. Daily.
Source: ITOnlineSA - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »