Africa’s only LGBTI shelter strengthens ties with City of Cape Town
(Left to Right): Stuart Diamond (councillor), Jan Richter (Pride Shelter matron), Dave Bryant (ward councillor), Brandon Golding (prospective ward councillor), Dave Nel (PST board member).
Africa’s first and only LGBTI crisis centre was visited by three City of Cape Town politicians this week.
On Tuesday, Oranjezicht Ward 77 Councillor, Dave Bryant, prospective councillor Brandon Golding, and Councillor Stuart Diamond toured the Pride Shelter.
They were hosted by the Matron, Jan Richter, with Board Members Andrew Howard and Dave Nel.
The Pride Shelter provides short-term accommodation for LGBTI people from the greater Cape Town area during crisis periods in their lives.
Located in Oranjezicht, the shelter is managed by the Pride Shelter Trust, a non-profit organisation.
“We were very pleased to meet the councillors,” said Howard. “It’s pivotal that we maintain a solid working relationship with the City of Cape Town and draw on the support of our local elected representatives,” he explained.
“It was also great to update the councillors on our work, which we are planning to extend beyond offering short-term emergency accommodation to new training and counselling programmes for the residents and our staff.”
The Pride Shelter Trust helps LGBTI people as diverse as those who have experienced “corrective rape” to those who’ve been kicked out of home for being gay.
It provides a safe place for residents to find their feet again, and offers healthy meals, job search assistance and group and individual counselling.
The shelter’s work is funded through donations and events such as Cape Town Pride and occasional fundraising markets at the premises. The most recent market in April raised R20,000, with the next market being held on 12 November.
Anyone who would like to make a donation or be involved is welcome to contact the shelter at kim@pridesheltertrust.co.za or 021 423 2871.
Hi,I’m a gay guy and love cross dressing and of this I have been killed out of my family and going through a traumatic time in my life.homeless and no where to go.can you direct me to a shelter or some place I can stay. Thank you.