Article re-cap
- The Safe Sleeping Zone in District Six provides nightly accommodation for up to 60 people.
- This temporary facility under the Selkirk Street carriageway will operate until September 2026.
- The CCID Winter Readiness Programme increases sponsored bed capacity from 43 to 148 during colder months.
- Residents at the shelter receive basic nourishment, including a hot drink and meal tokens for The Service Dining Rooms.
A new emergency overnight sleeping space in District Six has provided safe accommodation for more and more than 200 people since opening in June 2026.
The Safe Sleeping Zone, a collaboration between the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and The Haven Night Shelter, provides nightly accommodation for up to 60 people. Located under the Selkirk Street carriageway, the temporary facility will operate in its current form until September 2026.
The initiative is part of the CCID Winter Readiness Programme for 2026, which increases sponsored bed space during colder months to meet heightened demand. While the CCID sponsors 43 beds throughout the year, it adds 45 more beds during winter, bringing the total sponsored capacity to 148.
The facility offers fold-up stretchers, emergency blankets, pillows, and bunk beds in sheltered containers. Residents receive basic nourishment, including a hot drink, and off-site meal tokens for use at The Service Dining Rooms in District Six.
Access is managed through a controlled referral and ticket-based system for individuals referred by the CCID from within its 1.74 km² footprint. The shelter opens nightly at 19h00, with final entry at 21h30 and exit at 06h30 the following morning.
Security at the site includes perimeter fencing, lighting, CCTV cameras, security guards, and overnight supervisors. Six CCID peer field workers trained in First Aid and mental health de-escalation are also on duty.
According to The Haven, there are an estimated 14,000 people living on the streets in Cape Town, but only around 3,800 shelter beds are available. Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, manager of CCID Social Development, said the initiative reduces vulnerability to violence, theft, and harsh weather conditions.
This follows earlier local coverage of Cape Town expands homelessness prevention initiatives.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can the Safe Sleeping Zone accommodate each night?
The Safe Sleeping Zone provides nightly accommodation for up to 60 people. Since opening in June 2026, it has housed more than 200 people in total, located under the Selkirk Street carriageway in District Six.
How long will the Safe Sleeping Zone operate in its current form?
The temporary facility will operate in its current form until September 2026. It is part of the CCID Winter Readiness Programme for 2026, which increases sponsored bed space during colder months to meet heightened demand.
What amenities and support does the Safe Sleeping Zone provide to residents?
Residents receive fold-up stretchers, emergency blankets, pillows, and bunk beds in sheltered containers. They also receive basic nourishment including a hot drink and off-site meal tokens for use at The Service Dining Rooms in District Six.
How is access to the Safe Sleeping Zone controlled?
Access is managed through a controlled referral and ticket-based system for individuals referred by the CCID from within its 1.74 km² footprint. The shelter opens nightly at 19h00, with final entry at 21h30 and exit at 06h30 the following morning.
What safety measures are in place at the Safe Sleeping Zone?
Security includes perimeter fencing, lighting, CCTV cameras, and security guards. Six CCID peer field workers trained in First Aid and mental health de-escalation are on duty overnight with supervisors to ensure resident safety.
Source: capetownccid.org
