The City’s Community Arts & Culture Development Department invited just over 200 individuals in various stages of reintegration for a fun wellness-focused event at the Belhar Indoor Sports Centre, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Eviction imminent for homeless outside CT’s Castle of Good Hope
Attendees are currently housed at the City’s Safe Spaces, Haven Night Shelters, U-Turn, Oasis, and MES.
In the first nine months of 2024, the department’s fieldworkers in the Street People Programme Unit assisted in the placement of 1,382 people in shelters and enabled 374 reunifications.
‘Tackling homelessness is a complicated task around the world. Our staff do amazing work, and many persons trust us to help them journey to reintegration,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross.
‘Events like this fun day offer moments to reflect, develop and foster relationships, particularly for those who are working towards standing on their own or rejoining their family units or communities. Each person who is helped off the street, reunified with family or reintegrated back into society is one person removed from potential danger and given the opportunity to be part of their community.’
Yesterday, the informal shelters and settlements surrounding the Castle were broken down and the unlawful occupants were relocated.
This comes after the Western Cape High Court granted the eviction order in September.
The area will now be restored and the successful eviction has been dubbed a ‘positive outcome for the whole city.’
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Picture: Matt Collamer/Unsplash
