Forum calls for Knysna's first homeless shelter

KNYSNA - The Knysna Homeless Forum has launched an awareness campaign calling for the establishment of the town's first properly managed homeless shelter and rehabilitation facility, arguing that long-term, structured solutions are urgently needed.

The forum says it has spent more than seven years attempting to create a safe, lawful and dignified space for homeless individuals, with renewed urgency following the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the campaign, job losses during and after lockdown led to a sharp increase in homelessness, with many people never returning to formal employment.

Central to the proposal is a 50-bed shelter, accommodating about 40 men and 10 women, reflecting the higher number of homeless men in the area.

The facility would operate under strict rules, including zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol and violence, and would be overseen by strong management and a board of directors.

Forum members emphasise that the shelter would not resemble an informal encampment or detract from tourism. Instead, it is envisioned as a well-run, home-like facility, similar to successful shelters operating in George and Plettenberg Bay, both located within town centres and largely unnoticed by the public.

Restoring dignity and offering hope
Their aim is rehabilitation, not dependency, the group says. Residents of the shelter would have daily responsibilities, contribute a small nightly fee, and receive meals, access to hygiene facilities and structured support aimed at helping them return to work and reintegrate into society.

A key concern raised by the campaign is the lack of basic facilities in Knysna. With public toilets closed by the Knysna Municipality due to staffing shortages, homeless individuals have no access to ablutions, making it nearly impossible to seek employment or maintain dignity.

The campaign also stresses that homelessness is not a criminal offence and that the law protects vulnerable people from forced removal without due process.

The forum is calling for a compassionate, co-ordinated response involving civil society, NGOs, churches and the municipality.

It is about restoring dignity and offering hope, a member says. She goes on to say that a well-managed shelter benefits everyone - the homeless, residents, businesses and tourism alike.

The awareness campaign aims to shift public perception and build support for a solution that recognises the shared humanity of all who call Knysna home.

An overhead floor plan of the proposed 50-bed homeless shelter envisioned by the Knysna Homeless Forum, showing separate accommodation areas and shared facilities.