Mental illness is often a cause of homelessness. An estimated 37% of homeless people suffer with mental illness, and have been rejected and marginalised by their families and communities. Without access to the appropriate care, they are often further stigmatised by their families and communities, and remain trapped in cycles of instability.

In the Western Cape we are experiencing a rise in the number of clients at shelters for homeless adults who are need assistance for mental health care treatment and medication adherence support. These clients frequently return to the streets because most shelters lack the qualified personnel to provide treatment for individuals with mental health issues, and their behaviour is disruptive to other clients.

The Cape Care Fund supports the appointment of clinical nurse practitioners at shelters, to form part of the multi-disciplinary team who help clients improve their lives, and assist with family and community reintegration efforts.

Many families who face hardship have to make the impossible choice between staying together on the streets, or accessing shelter services – as most shelters are designed for individuals, not families.

The Somerset West Family Shelter was the first of its kind in the province. The shelter has proven that keeping families together promotes emotional stability, family resilience, a sense of belonging for children, and better long-term outcomes.

Family shelters create the space for family preservation and strengthening, counselling, and support services aimed at building resilience. It also allows children and parents to remain connected during vulnerable periods, and reduces the trauma children experience from separation.