Western Cape Rolls out its Winter Readiness Programme | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Rolls out its Winter Readiness Programme

12 June 2014

The Department of Social Development is rolling out its Winter Readiness Programme, in partnership with a number of stakeholders, in order to provide vital assistance to vulnerable people living in the province.

Winter has set in over the past few weeks, with temperatures plummeting and widespread showers across the Western Cape, which has increased the demand for shelter services.

The department’s Winter Readiness Programme prioritises the homeless by providing R12 529 000 through the Children and Families funding to 24 shelters, which provide 1 167 beds each day.

In addition to the provision of shelter, the department, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Social Development unit, Disaster Risk Management, and the Community Chest is providing additional mattress space, food, blankets and toiletries to vulnerable citizens over the winter period.

Furthermore, the department is also providing support to a number of NGOs in order for them to provide mattresses, food, and care packs to the poor.

The department funds 55 targeted feeding sites across the province, with access via the Department of Health and following an assessment by a registered social worker.

We aim to assist over 2 400 people across the province through our Winter Readiness Programme. Our team of social workers also play a vital role when it comes to assessing and identifying the needs of communities and assisting people to access help.

The Department is currently meeting with a number of organisations with the aim of allocating additional resources and bed space in different communities.

We believe that the onset of winter should not mean that the destitute must suffer from the cold, harsh weather.

That is why the department, whose main focus is reducing poverty and inequality in the province, is rolling out the Winter Readiness Programme, to assist as many people as possible to find shelter from the cold.

Media Enquiries: 

Sihle Ngobese                         
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