In honor of World Homeless Day, the City of Cape Town and Haven Night Shelter are expanding their efforts to support vulnerable residents by adding 120 new shelter beds across the metro.

The expansion in Retreat more than doubles the facility’s capacity, increasing it from 104 to 224 beds. The City contributed R12.7 million to make this possible.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says these expansions form part of Cape Town’s holistic social development approach to help people move off the streets.

“By adding more shelter beds, we are giving people the chance to access social support, reintegration programs, and even family reunification,” Hill-Lewis said. “This helps them move away from undignified, unsafe, and unhealthy conditions on the streets. At the same time, we’re ensuring public spaces are restored for everyone’s use.”

The new beds are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to tackling homelessness, providing residents not only with shelter but also access to food, healthcare, and social services. Officials say the initiative highlights the power of public-private partnerships in addressing complex social challenges.

“With this initiative, we hope to inspire more collaboration and ensure that no one in Cape Town has to sleep on the streets.”