As winter weather continues to batter the Western Cape, The Haven Night Shelter is stepping up efforts to provide warmth, safety and support to vulnerable people living on the streets through its newly launched “Pavement to Pillow” campaign.

Founded in 1978, The Haven Night Shelter is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides temporary shelter, physical care and social welfare services to homeless adults across the province.

Its mission is to help people transition from life on the streets back into stable living environments through rehabilitation, family reunification and reintegration programmes.

Winter relief

With recent storms bringing heavy rain, icy temperatures and severe weather conditions to Cape Town, the organisation has seen a sharp increase in the demand for emergency accommodation and support services.

CEO Shaddie Valayadum said the organisation activated additional winter readiness interventions to assist vulnerable people seeking shelter during the recent storm period.

A large chunk of the beds and floors at the Retreat facility were wet from the flooding after some of the pipes broke.

“The damages at the Retreat facility included the doors and the roof. There was some movement on the roof causing water to push through into the dormitories. Up to 10 units at Retreat experienced issues from the storm.

“The shelter managed the recent storm period by activating additional winter readiness interventions to assist vulnerable people seeking refuge from the severe weather conditions,” he said.

Among the emergency measures introduced were extending shelter intake capacity where possible, providing warm meals, blankets and dry clothing, and increasing outreach support to people living on the streets.

The organisation also coordinated emergency accommodation support during severe weather alerts.

Valayadum said The Haven is now preparing to open a safe sleeping zone for the harsh winter months while also making additional bed space available as part of its broader winter readiness programme.

Shelter support

In response to the growing need during winter, the organisation recently launched its “Pavement to Pillow” fundraising campaign, aimed at helping homeless individuals move from sleeping on cold pavements to sleeping safely in warm shelter beds.

The campaign uses the contrast between a “cold pavement” and a “warm pillow” to symbolise the journey from hardship and exposure to safety, dignity and hope.

Through public donations and community support, the initiative aims to provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, showers and hygiene facilities, emotional care and assistance with rebuilding lives.

“The core message of the campaign is that even one act of kindness can help someone move from the streets into safety during winter,” Valayadum explained.

The organisation is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to support the campaign through donations, sponsorships, blanket drives and awareness initiatives.

Donation options have been structured to show the impact different contributions can make.

A donation of R20 can provide someone with one night off the streets, while R100 can assist with five days of care and support.

Restoring dignity

A contribution of R650 can provide a homeless person with shelter and support for an entire month. Valayadum said winter remains one of the most dangerous periods for homeless individuals, particularly during severe weather conditions when exposure to rain and cold temperatures can place lives at risk.

Beyond offering temporary shelter, The Haven also focuses on helping residents rebuild their lives through social support programmes aimed at restoring dignity and independence.

Community members who want to support the campaign can donate directly through the organisation’s banking details or participate in collection drives and awareness campaigns running from May to September.

“Non-perishable food items and toiletries are the number one items for us now,” he said.

The Haven hopes the campaign will not only provide immediate relief during winter but also remind the public of the humanity and dignity of people experiencing homelessness. “Your support gives someone more than a bed,” the campaign message reads.

“It gives them safety, dignity and hope.” More information about the campaign and donation details can be found at The Haven Night Shelter or by contacting the organisation on 021 425 4700.

READ ALSO: Philisa Abafazi Bethu appeals for support after storm damage