From 80 beds to 200: Cape Town's Kensington night shelter just opened its doors wider

The Haven Night Shelter in Kensington, Cape Town, has sheltered people working to rebuild their lives since 1978. A R12 million (about $700,000) city upgrade has now lifted its capacity from 80 beds to 200 — a 150% increase — with renovated kitchens and bathrooms and new fire-safety measures. Sister shelters are growing too: Retreat will triple to nearly 300 beds, and the city-centre shelter has already risen from 96 to 156. 'It was a joy to see the results,' said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis — 120 more people, every night, sleeping in safety and dignity.

SDG 11 · Sustainable cities and communities — Mechanism: infrastructure build