The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Beverley Cortje-Alcock, officially opened the first 24-hour assessment centre for street people in Franklin Street, Woodstock today, 1 March 2012.
“The opening of this centre marks the fulfilment of an electoral pledge – a plan outlined by the Mayor and supported by her special projects fund. Mayor De Lille said during her election campaign less than a year ago that we would make a visible difference in terms of how we care for the people of our city – especially the most marginalised groups. We’re delivering on this promise, while showing our commitment to being a Caring City,” said Councillor Cortje-Alcock.
Field-workers will refer street people from Woodstock and its surrounding areas to the centre, but they can also approach the centre for assistance voluntarily. At the centre they will be assessed in order to provide the necessary rehabilitation and support and to facilitate reintegration into their communities. The assessment covers a number of factors including health, addiction, reasons for living on the streets, as well as physical, mental and emotional well-being.
The ultimate goal is to reintegrate street people into their communities of origin. However, in cases where this is not possible, clients will be referred to one of the City’s care facility partners. Where clients have an addiction, they will be referred to the City’s rehabilitation centre partners.
“The City’s approach is to address the issue of homelessness holistically. We believe that all people, irrespective of their circumstances, have dignity and we have great respect for that. We also recognise that homelessness creates difficult situations for residents and businesses alike. We therefore remain committed to dealing with this matter as effectively and humanely as possible,” said Councillor Cortje-Alcock.
“The centre is the first of eight which will be opened in Cape Town. This city-wide programme was established to address both the challenges of children and adults who live, sleep and survive on the streets and the factors within their communities which support this lifestyle,” said Councillor Cortje-Alcock.
