Cape Town expands Kensington night shelter by 150%

Cape Town has expanded its shelter capacity for people experiencing homelessness, with the Kensington Haven Night Shelter now able to accommodate 200 people following a R12 million upgrade by the City.

The upgraded facility was officially launched by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on 15 October 2026. The expansion increased the number of beds from 80 to 200, a 150% increase.

The shelter is operated by Haven Night Shelter, while the City of Cape Town owns and maintains the facility. Councillor Francine Higham, the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, joined the mayor at the launch.

Kensington shelter receives R12 million upgrade

Alongside the increase in accommodation, the project included improvements to the shelter’s kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The upgrades also covered flooring, painting and fire safety measures.

According to the City, the investment forms part of its broader efforts to expand shelter capacity and provide support for people experiencing homelessness.

Hill-Lewis said the expanded facility would help more people move off the streets and rebuild their lives.

More beds added across Cape Town

The Kensington project follows other expansions at Haven-operated shelters across the city.

In Retreat, the City is funding an expansion that will triple the facility’s capacity to almost 300 beds. Meanwhile, the Haven Night Shelter in the central business district has increased its capacity by 63%, from 96 to 156 beds.

The City said its shelter network has grown to more than 1,300 beds during the current term, with approximately 640 additional beds added.

These include 340 beds at the City’s new Safe Spaces in Green Point and Durbanville, as well as 300 beds created through expansions at Haven-operated shelters.

Further projects are also planned to increase accommodation across the metro.

City allocates R100 million towards homelessness support

The City of Cape Town has allocated R100 million in the current financial year towards its efforts to address homelessness.

Of this amount, R87 million is allocated to operating the City’s four Safe Spaces, supporting outreach initiatives, providing annual winter assistance to NGO shelters and creating work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The City’s Safe Spaces provide accommodation alongside social services aimed at supporting people who want to move away from street homelessness.

Hill-Lewis said the City was continuing to invest in shelter accommodation and services to help more people access support.

More shelter projects planned

Over the next three years, the City plans to invest R62 million in further shelter expansion projects.

The planned developments include:

• A new Safe Space in Kuils River.
• Redevelopment of the Paint City Safe Space in Bellville.
• Expansions at Haven Night Shelters in Wynberg and District Six.

Councillor Higham said addressing homelessness required more than accommodation, highlighting the importance of social support services and assistance for vulnerable residents.

She said the City’s investments were intended to expand accommodation, support outreach teams and connect people with healthcare, social services and opportunities.

What services are available at shelters?

The City’s Safe Spaces and NGO-operated shelters offer various services to support people experiencing homelessness.

These include:

• Dignified shelter and access to ablution facilities.
• Two meals per day.
• Access to an on-site social worker.
• Skills training and personal development planning.
• Assistance with finding employment.
• Access to EPWP work placement opportunities.
• Assistance with identity documents and social grants.
• Family reunification services.
• Access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment.

The services are intended to provide support beyond accommodation, helping residents access social assistance, develop skills and explore opportunities to rebuild their lives.

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**Picture: **City of Cape Town / Facebook

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