As colder months approach, City of Cape Town officials have opened applications for non-profit shelters seeking support to expand bed space for vulnerable residents, an annual initiative designed to prepare social services for the seasonal surge in demand.
Qualifying organisations have until 31 March to apply for assistance through the city’s Winter Readiness Programme, which runs from 4 May to 30 October 2026 and aims to help shelters accommodate more people during the harshest weather period (City).
Municipal officials say participating shelters will receive essential supplies such as bedding, blankets, food items, hygiene products and cleaning materials.
The city will also deploy workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist NGOs with administrative and general duties, a move intended to free up staff to focus on care services.
To qualify, organisations must be registered as NPOs or public benefit bodies and meet compliance standards, including approved building plans, health and safety adherence, and documentation confirming suitability for food preparation and expanded accommodation layouts.
Seasonal trends show colder weather typically drives more people to seek shelter and assistance.
Municipal data from the second half of 2025 indicates that outreach teams handled 6 103 service requests, conducted more than 5 400 screenings and 9 500 follow-up visits, and facilitated 1 075 placements in shelters or designated safe spaces.
City officials note that some individuals assisted during this period later secured employment, including work as an e-hailing driver and a chef, highlighting how temporary support can connect people with longer-term opportunities.
The winter initiative complements other interventions, including Safe Spaces, public awareness campaigns and outreach conducted by the Street People Unit.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health Francine Higham emphasised the urgency of preparing early.
‘Winter is one of the hardest times for people living on the streets, and we know the pressure this places on our shelters,’ Higham stated.
‘Through this programme, the City is working with our NGO-partners across Cape Town to provide safe, dignified spaces and practical support. I encourage all eligible shelters to apply so that, together, we can help more residents come in from the cold and access the support they need.’
Eligible organisations must demonstrate existing facilities, compliance certifications and the ability to temporarily increase bed numbers.
Application forms can be requested via email or downloaded from the city’s winter-preparedness webpage.
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