Non-profit organisation Streetscapes is raising funds in the hope of buying seven housing units from the City of Cape Town, with plans to convert them into homes for previously homeless people.
James Vos, the Citys mayco member for economic growth, said six of the units are vacant, and three are still tenanted. He said the units were initially acquired because of plans to widen roads decades ago. Those plans have since been scrapped, and the City no longer needs them.
Vos said a sale of these properties would require councils approval, and a public participation process. The sale could be subject to a clause in the Citys Immovable Property policy, limiting the use of the property to social care. The policy provides for social care properties to be sold at a purchase price of between 10 to 25 of fair market value, Vos said.
For the past decade, Streetscapes has worked to end homelessness by supporting people with jobs and houses. Their model aims to get people work. The organisation currently supports 150 formerly homeless people, through work, housing and and other support.