Much-needed repairs are underway at the Pride Shelter Trust thanks to generous donations from Capetonians.
Based in Oranjezicht, the shelter is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides a safe space to the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others) community.
A few months ago, the shelter appealed for donations to fix the roof and broken windows, among other things (“Pride shelter under strain”, People’s Post, 17 May).
A crowdfunding campaign was started on BackaBuddy with an R80 000 target.
Nicole Alexander, Director of the trust, says thanks to good Samaritans, they have managed to reach about R45 000 on the BackaBuddy platform.
“I want to thank every single person who has contributed to the campaign and am thankful to say that our first international funder, Empower, contributed R70 000 as well. I do wish that our BackaBuddy can reach the R80 000.”
She says significant interior construction has already been completed with more to follow.
“The roof has been fixed; we have been focussing on interior construction.
“Because of the weather, we only focused on the interior. Once that is done, we will start with the exterior, like scaffolding and then painting outside.”
She says because it is a heritage building permission for upgrades had to be granted by the City of Cape Town.
“We have fixed the leaks, plumbing and the toilets. Our kitchen has been renovated. Our corridors and security gate have been fixed. They are busy painting the counselling room, then we will do the administration office and the dormitories. All the windows were repaired as well.”
Alexander explains that the facility can accommodate 20 people who can stay for a period of three months.
She says this is not only a home but a safe space for most of the residents there.
“The residents here are so grateful, they can see the difference. We can attach a new narrative to the building. It’s an old building so there are a lot of challenges.
“The building material is expensive. But it’s a beautiful challenge. It speaks about inclusivity and it speaks about a home away from what people are used to.”
Alexander says they would like to reach their target on the BackaBuddy platform and she encourages people to continue to donate.
“We are halfway through the renovations, and we are so thankful to everyone who has contributed.”
- To donate, visit
