Residents across the Mother City are urging for assistance as the recent inclement weather has resulted in grave circumstances for many. There have been numerous accounts of roofs being blown off houses, rivers bursting their banks and thousands of homes flooded in informal settlements, forcing residents to traverse nearly knee-deep water. The weather has been so terrible that areas have been left without electricity. Adding to the disarray, various roads were closed due to flooding and possible ice and snow. I can only imagine this hindering progress to restore power or distribute humanitarian aid.

Not all is lost – when we stand together!

When it comes to disasters of this nature it is easy to feel anxious and afraid. But nothing beats those feelings like offering help to our friends, supporting charities and sharing credible information. With this post, I am going to share some links to NGOs across Cape Town, and the rest of the province, who are working tirelessly to assist those in distress.

In a media statement by the Western Cape government, “the Western Cape Department of Social Development is coordinating humanitarian relief efforts for affected communities with partner NGOs like Gift of the Givers Foundation, The Warehouse Foundation, Ashraful Aid, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Islamic Relief SA, and the Community Chest of the Western Cape. The department will also provide psychosocial support where needed”.

The Night Haven Shelter

They provide temporary accommodation for those in need. It has 15 shelters in and around Cape Town. They are running a ‘Buy a Bed’ campaign where the public can support a homeless person in buying a bed at one of their shelters for R15 a night.

Support The Night Haven Shelter.

U-turn Homeless Ministries

Heeding the call of the homeless during this disaster, they have teamed up with the Christ Church Kenilworth to provide emergency shelter for those on the streets. They are appealing to the community for donations such as “blankets, sleeping bags, canned food and thin mattresses”. Donations can be dropped off at their HQ at 155 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth until Friday night!

Ndifuna Ukwazi

The activist organisation is calling on assistance for the people of Greenpoint Phase 3 in Khayelitsha. They are working to collect much-needed items like canned foods, long-life milk, soup, and noodle packets. And winter essentials like mattresses and blankets. If you can donate, you can drop off these items at their office 18 Roeland Street, Cape Town. Help Ndifuna Ukwazi today.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA

In times of distress, we cannot forget about our pets, farm animals or the abandoned animals on the streets. The SPCA is doing all it can to help animals needing ‘rescue and warmth’. They are actively seeking animals in flooding-prone areas who are chained or without shelter. Report any animals in distress to 0217004158/9.

Cat and dog food are also needed for rescued animals: donate now.

Gift of the Givers

The NGO has continued to help those in dire need of help. Its disaster relief efforts include providing food and other essentials. You can reach them on 0800 786 911. Those who can donate and support their efforts can do so on the Gift of the Givers website or by checking out their BackaBuddy campaign.

Project HOPE

In the wake of the storm this initiative is working to ‘rejuvenate and restore’ the Sea Point, Fresnaye, and Bantry Bay communities. Its volunteers are working to remove fallen trees and debris, they have been a beacon of hope in ongoing clean-up and restoration efforts. Support their work by donating to Project HOPE.

Meanwhile…local fire stations have also been made available for the public to drop off donations:

• Goodwood
• Ottery
• Roeland Street
• Lakeside
• Sir Lowry’s Pass
• Strand

Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you are not by the means to donate money or essential items, please consider just sharing this post with friends and family. Sharing knowledge and resourceful links – in the right hands – can make a huge difference. Let’s all stand together during this time of disaster!