Social Development
(1) How many shelters are currently operational in the province;
(2) whether all of the shelters are supported by her Department; if not, (a) how many are supported and (b) how have they been adapted to function during the pandemic?
Response: 1
The Victim Empowerment Programme of the Department funds 20 shelters for victims of crime and violence in the province. In the absence of Victim Empowerment Specific legislation, the shelters currently do not need to be registered by the Department of Social Development. This will change when the Victim Support Services Act comes into effect which will regulate the sector. The Department is aware of 5 other shelters that also provide services to victims, but are not funded by the Department.
The Families Programme collaborates with Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), local government and related institutions to care for people who find themselves homeless. Although the WCDSD does not directly manage homeless shelters, it partners with NPOs (shelters for homeless adults) to provide these services through Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs).
The Department is currently funding 27 shelters for homeless adults in the Western Cape Province. The Department is in the process of developing an accurate database of unfunded shelters for homeless adults and it is estimated there is another 10 shelters not funded by DSD.
(2) (a)(i) Twenty shelters for victims of crime and violence are funded in the province at a cost of R21 million.
(ii) Not all Homeless shelters are supported since they did not apply for funding. Twenty seven shelters for homeless adults in the Western Cape Province are funded to the amount of R18 million.
(2) (b) 4 GBV Shelters have been identified as Stage 1 shelters to admit at risk victims of crime and violence during lockdown. Only referrals from a social worker with a safety risk assessment and SAPS referral will be accommodated for the initial 14 days. After the initial 14 days clients will be transferred from Stage 1 shelter to a Stage 2 shelter where the victim and children can stay for a longer period.
The WCDSD sub-programme “Care and Support to Services to Families” conducted a survey to establish how shelters for homeless adults are adapting to the pandemic. Funded shelters in the Western Cape advised that during lockdown they have been full to capacity. They reported that they have been adhering to strict Health Protocols by utilising PPE and ensuring that staff and beneficiaries are regularly wearing face masks, regularly sanitising /washing hands, and cleaning of living areas. Also, shelters have enhanced the screening of clients when entering the facility by doing routine screening and checking of temperatures. Furthermore, shelters have arrangements with Provincial Health Authorities to access guidance and help as and when we needed.
Social workers continued rendering reunification services.
