Somerset West Night Shelter

The Somerset West Night Shelter has served homeless and destitute adults in the Helderberg area since 1988. Since 2020, they significantly expanded their services to also accommodate homeless families with children — and their Family Shelter is the only one of its kind in the Western Cape, welcoming single mothers, single fathers, and couples with children.

While the Somerset West Night Shelter is not a specialised GBV organisation, it is a vital resource for survivors of abuse who have been left homeless, displaced, or without options. Their wraparound approach addresses survival, rehabilitation, and rebuilding all in one place.

What They Offer Survivors

Emergency Shelter and Accommodation Safe temporary accommodation is available for homeless individuals and families — including women and children who have had to leave dangerous situations. Families are accommodated together, which is critically important for survivors with children who are often unable to access shelters that separate parents from older children.

Social Work Services Qualified social workers are on-hand to assess your situation, help you access government grants and social services, and connect you to appropriate support and resources — including specialist GBV organisations if you need them.

Counselling The Night Shelter provides counselling support to residents — helping address the emotional, psychological, and practical impacts of homelessness, trauma, and abuse.

Skills Training and Rehabilitation A structured rehabilitation and skills training programme helps residents build towards independence and long-term stability. The goal is always to move from crisis to self-sufficiency.

Employment Assistance The Night Shelter actively works to connect residents with employment opportunities — one of the most powerful pathways out of poverty and away from dangerous situations.

Education and School Transport for Children Children staying at the shelter are supported with school transport and education access — ensuring that a family's crisis does not cost children their schooling.

Baby and Toddler Day Care On-site care for babies and toddlers is provided, allowing mothers and caregivers to attend training, seek work, or engage in rehabilitation programmes.

Health, Wellness, and Life Skills The shelter provides coaching, health support, and life skills training as part of a holistic programme designed to equip residents for a fresh start.

Dignity Vouchers Members of the public can purchase vouchers that can be exchanged by people experiencing homelessness for meals, food parcels, hygiene products, and clothing — a dignified alternative to cash.

If you are a survivor who needs emergency accommodation in the Helderberg area, contact the Night Shelter directly: 072 851 5362.