The Safe House in the far south is facing an urgent funding crisis and could be forced to close unless it secures more than R180 000 to cover essential operational costs. The shelter provides care and support for abused women and children, offering counselling, therapy, and skills development programs to help clients rebuild their lives.
Speaking to VOC News, Executive Director Kathy Cronje highlighted the key challenges threatening the organisation’s survival. “Number one is our lease. We cannot secure a lease. We had a three-year lease about five years ago, but we need a lease now because people won’t donate if we don’t have tenure,” she explained. Another major challenge is that donors often fund specific projects rather than operational costs, leaving basic needs unmet.
Cronje also noted that many NGOs face similar difficulties. “Yes, I know many NGOs as well. If people could donate, we could try to raise over R180,000.” She added, “If you just go into Google or any other platform and type in Give-and-Gain, the URL will take you directly to The Safe House fundraising page. I’ll also post it on our website and Facebook page.”
The Safe House has been operating for over 10 years and has supported more than 900 people from Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Cronje emphasised the importance of community support to keep the shelter running.
To donate, visit www.thesafehouse.org.za or give directly through the fundraising link: GivenGain – https://www.givengain.com/project/kathy-raising-funds-for-the-safe-house-115434. Every contribution helps ensure the shelter can continue providing vital services to vulnerable women and children.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
