The Hope Exchange: Evaluating Street People Policy

Cape Town is facing a homelessness crisis driven by high unemployment and a shortage of housing. This project explores the City’s approaches to resolving homelessness, specifically the 2013 Street People Policy and its associated bylaws. In order to gain perspective on the issues, we partnered with The Hope Exchange, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides services to street people. We interviewed multiple stakeholders, including street people, city officials, and NGOs to gain a complete perspective on the impact of the policy. We found a common interest to revisit the policy, unanimous desire for improved collaboration, and a need for expanded public programs. To address an issue as complex as homelessness, we recommend that the policy be revised.

Elena Raden, Thomas DellaCroce, Connor Huftalen, and Cassandra Lira with advisers

Evaluating the Impacts of the Cape Town Street People Policy on Street People