Dusk to Dawn

About Dusk to Dawn

Dusk to Dawn was founded in 2004 by Monica Horn, a social worker who identified a critical gap: the nearest shelter for abused women in Cape Town's northern suburbs was Care Haven in Athlone — requiring many vulnerable women to travel considerable distances at their most dangerous moment. Monica opened Dusk to Dawn in Ravensmead so that women from communities like Ravensmead, Belhar, Delft, Parow, and surrounding northern suburbs could access a safe place without that barrier.

Monica describes herself as a mother figure to the women and children in her care — the name "Dusk to Dawn" reflects the 24-hour commitment of the shelter to its residents.

Services

• Emergency residential shelter for approximately 18 women and their children (approximately 20 children), providing immediate safety from abusive home environments.
• Counselling and psychosocial support for residents, helping women process trauma and plan for independent futures.
• Nutritional support — addressing the immediate physical needs of malnourished or destitute women and children; supported by FoodForward SA.
• Holistic care — attending to the physical, emotional, and social restoration of residents.

Community Context

Ravensmead is a historically disadvantaged community in the northern suburbs of Cape Town with significant poverty and social challenges. Monica Horn's deep roots in the community and her professional background as a social worker have been central to Dusk to Dawn's success in reaching women who might not access more formal institutional shelters.