The Safe Sleeping Zone
As Cape Town's cold and wet winter weather begins to bite, a new temporary shelter capable of accommodating up to 60 people a night has officially opened in the CBD, offering vulnerable homeless residents a safe place to sleep while accessing support services aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
The Safe Sleeping Zone, a partnership between the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and The Haven Night Shelter, was launched under the Selkirk Street carriageway adjacent to The Haven District Six and will operate as a four-month pilot project throughout winter.
The initiative forms part of the CCID's Winter Readiness Programme for 2026, which sees the organisation expand its support during the colder months by increasing access to shelter beds and overnight accommodation for people living on the streets.
Speaking at the launch, The Haven Night Shelter chief executive officer Shaddie Valayadum said the project was about far more than providing a bed for the night.
