Registered non-profit organisations that house vulnerable groups have until 14 April to apply for aid to sustain their operations through winter, when more people seek shelter and assistance.
Also read: Living Roots: An indigenous plant nursery run by formerly homeless people
Through its Winter Readiness Programme, the City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department is providing aid and services worth R800 000 this winter.
The programme is open to qualified shelters that can temporarily increase their bed capacity to meet the increased demand for services during the winter.
Shelters that provide bed spaces for adult couples, women and the LGBTQIA+ community are also eligible to apply for funding this year.
‘Historically, our winter readiness programme has focused on shelters working with persons living on the street,’ said the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. ‘This year, we are extending an invitation to NPOs offering services to other groups to apply for aid too, provided that they meet all of the qualifying criteria.’
Councillor van der Ross praised the NPO sector and stated that the City has increased its assistance to these organisations over the years, whether through grant-in-aid funding and other partnerships or its Winter Readiness Programme.
‘I want to call on our NPOs to please review the criteria for applications and make their submissions as soon as possible,’ she said.
The Winter Readiness Programme will run from 5 May to 31 October 2023. The application deadline is Friday, 14 April 2023.
Mattresses, cleaning supplies, blankets, bedding, hygiene kits and non-perishable foods will be distributed to qualifying organisations.
The City will also make staff available through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to assist with general and administrative tasks, allowing the organisation to accommodate more clients.
Applicants must be registered as a non-profit organisation (NPO) or a public benefit organisation (PBO). They must also:
- Have existing facilities to accommodate clients and address their needs through developmental programmes.
- Comply with all health and safety regulations.
- Agree to site inspections by relevant city departments.
- Have an approved building plan.
- Submit a draught floor plan for the additional temporary bed spaces.
- Have a Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises
Application forms are available here.
Also read:
St Luke’s Hospice is turning into a drug den ‘one brick at a time’
Picture: Unsplash