The country has experienced extreme weather conditions this winter. Cape Town has had a very wet, very cold season that has affected many people, particularly the homeless and the destitute. There are many NGOs across the Central City who support people living on the street, but at these times, they feel additional strain.
In response to these heightened conditions, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) recently distributed 500 pairs of new shoes and 1 000 care bags to some of the NGOs to help provide some comfort to their clients. The care bags consisted of toiletries, socks and hats. These donations are done twice a year under the CCID’s Social Development programme. The next donations will be given in November this year.
Extreme weather conditions bring about an increased need to help bring more comfort to people living on the street.
Tasso Evangelinos, chief operating officer for the CCID, explains: “Our research shows that many people living on the street are trapped in a cycle of negative behaviour, which can mean that any money received from well-meaning individuals is used to buy drugs or other abused substances. This only exacerbates the already difficult living conditions brought on by cold, wet winter weather.
“Instead of giving money, the CCID encourages residents and businesses located in the CBD to join our efforts by donating warm clothing, good quality shoes or toiletries to the various well-established NGOs across the Central City. They know exactly where the need is and how best to facilitate distribution of any donations.
“Donations can be made directly to the NGOs, or to the CCID for onward distribution to the NGOs. It’s at times like this that those of us who work and live in the Central City and are better resourced can make a real difference to the lives of others.”
See below a list of excellent NGOs who support the CCID’s appeal to the public for funds, donations or time. Get in touch with them to see how you can help, or call the CCID directly on 021 286 0830 and we would be more than happy to provide you with further information.
ACVV: 021 462 1060
Booth Memorial Hospital: 021 465 4846
The Haven District Six: 021 465 1310
The Haven Green Point: 021 425 4700
The Homestead: 021 461 7470
Nazareth House: 021 461 1635
Salesians Institute Youth Projects: 021 425 1450
St Anne’s: 021 448 6792
Straatwerk: 021 425 0140
The Carpenter Shop: 021 461 5508