Cape Town – With the Western Cape bracing for another cold front this weekend, authorities in Drakenstein Municipality have announced the opening of a new overnight shelter in Paarl to assist those living on the streets.
The initiative, launched in partnership with faith-based organisation CRC Cares, aims to provide immediate relief to the homeless as temperatures drop.
Geduld Veldsman, senior social development officer at Drakenstein Municipality, confirmed that the Paarl Overnight Shelter will offer accommodation for up to 26 individuals each night.
“Although this falls outside our formal municipal mandate,” Veldsman said, “the reality is that we engage daily with some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We recognise the urgent need to respond. Providing shelter is not just about offering a bed it’s about restoring dignity, offering hope, and showing compassion.”
CRC Cares will manage the shelter’s day-to-day operations, Veldsman added.
“Residents at the Paarl Overnight Shelter will receive a warm meal, their own bed, blankets, and access to comprehensive support services,” he said. “This includes social services as well as physical and emotional support.”
The shelter comes as part of broader efforts across the province to respond to the humanitarian challenges posed by winter weather, especially for those without secure housing.
The cold front is expected to bring heavy rains and icy temperatures to much of the province, prompting disaster risk and social development teams to mobilise emergency resources.
Local authorities have urged the public to report anyone in need of shelter to local social services or disaster management hotlines.