A second shelter in the CBD was opened by the City of Cape Town shortly after the infamous Strandfontein camp shut down. Though the pandemic rages on, many from Strandfontein have returned to the streets. Physical distancing protocols mean many shelters across the City are full and though this facility is a lifeline, scores of street dwellers are left to fend for themselves.
from 22 May, the city rubbished this claim, saying the homeless under the bridge had refused accommodation at smaller shelters and opted to return to the CBD. Nonetheless, concerns arose over Covid-19 spreading among the homeless since a woman had tested positive at Strandfontein. But the City said close contacts of the woman had been offered accommodation at a quarantine facility.visited the shelter, piping was being installed for running water.
“I bought each room an urn,” said Booysen, indicating that he’d paid for some provisions at the shelter out of pocket despite the City’s grant which covers only meals, staff salaries and cleaning. The fenced shelter site has security guards 24/7. Clients are allowed to leave, but must return by 9pm before the curfew. Some clients assist with enforcement of security protocols. Kevin Pillay is the resident disciplinarian and security head. He is strict, but caring and was also at Strandfontein. He now works with Ubuntu.Twice a month Ubuntu sponsors vanity packs for each client with items such as coffee, sugar, soap and toothpaste, says Booysen. Clients are served three meals a day.
“We also formed a partnership with Play Sport 4 Life to use sport as a vehicle to address the other needs of our clients,” said Booysen — needs such as HIV/AIDS awareness and hygiene practices. Entrepreneurship, job readiness skills and strengthening family ties are other interventions available. When Strandfontein closed down, Jacobs came to live under Culemborg bridge in anticipation of the Expansion Site’s opening. Though she wasn’t harassed for being transgender at Strandfontein, she was verbally and physically attacked while squatting under the bridge.
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