Homelessness has become one of Cape Town’s most visible and most complex social challenges. From the city’s busy intersections to quiet suburban corners, the sight of people living on the streets has become a daily reminder of inequality and exclusion.
But in Wynberg, a group of residents, faith leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are trying something new, a community-led model of hope that may offer a glimpse of a different path forward.
After two years of planning and collaboration, the long-anticipated U-Turn Homeless Service Centre officially opened its doors at the Wynberg Methodist Church on Saturday, 11 October.
Unlike most similar facilities, this one wasn’t established by the City of Cape Town or a large non-profit organisation. It was initiated by ordinary citizens determined to do something about homelessness in their neighbourhood.
According to Ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven, the idea was first put forward by Wynberg resident Nancy Krisch and Reverend Graham Goodwin of the Methodist Church, with guidance from U-Turn’s Jon Hopkins and Lise van Dool, both well known for their work in rehabilitation and skills development among people experiencing homelessness.
“The establishment of this centre was not driven by the City, but by active citizens,” said Langenhoven. “The City is, however, a financial donor through the Mayoral Fund, which contributed R230 000, while additional funding came from community members, businesses, and overseas donors. This model is possibly a first where the centre is community-driven.”
A model built on collaboration
The new facility will operate as a day centre, offering meals, counselling, case management, and skills training. These services are designed not just to meet immediate needs but to help people reintegrate into society, a goal that many believe is essential to breaking the cycle of homelessness.
The centre will also complement the nearby Haven Night Shelter, and talks are underway to establish a “day-and-night” partnership, providing continuous support from morning to evening.
Langenhoven believes this type of collaboration is key.
“Through the Homeless Alliance, we’re bringing together community-based organisations, government, law enforcement, and private security to create a value chain of services that can reintegrate people into society,” he explained. “No single organisation can do it alone.”
The bigger picture: A city under strain
The launch comes at a time when homelessness in Cape Town is rising sharply. The City’s latest figures suggest thousands of people are currently living without shelter,a number that continues to grow as the cost of living, unemployment, and housing shortages deepen.
While the City has invested in transitional safe spaces and support services, many non-governmental organisations argue that community-based responses are crucial,offering more flexibility, empathy, and local accountability.
Organisations such as U-Turn, which has operated in the city for over two decades, focus on helping individuals rebuild their confidence, reconnect with family, and develop work-readiness skills. The new Wynberg centre extends that philosophy into the southern suburbs, creating access to services closer to where people live and seek help.
A shared responsibility
Langenhoven said that while the City’s contribution,R230 000 through the Mayoral Fund,was vital, the true success of the project lies in ongoing community participation.
“It will take active citizens to keep this centre alive,” he said, thanking U-Turn’s fundraising team, especially Andrew Soden, for helping to secure additional financial backing.
Already, the Wynberg U-Turn Ambassadors WhatsApp group has close to 100 members,residents who share updates, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising initiatives. For many, it’s a way of staying connected to the issue in a meaningful, practical way.
A milestone in local action
As doors opened over the weekend, the mood among organisers was one of cautious optimism. For them, the centre isn’t just a building its a symbol of what can happen when empathy becomes action.
“We often talk about homelessness as a government problem,” said one volunteer. “But what this shows is that community compassion, when properly organised, can create lasting change.”
The opening included a walk-through of the new facility and short addresses by project partners, including representatives from U-Turn, the Wynberg Methodist Church, and the City of Cape Town.
For those who have been part of the journey, the launch represents more than just an event, it’s a statement of intent: that homelessness is not someone else’s problem, and that communities have the power to lead solutions built on dignity, inclusion, and care.
You must be logged in to post a comment.