IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence in Urban Place Management
[Cape Town] – The International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) in partnership with Mould Empower Serve (MES) with the prestigious Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to, Centre of Hope: Holistic approach to homelessness. A jury of peer professionals reviewed, deliberated and evaluated all entries in the 2024 Downtown Achievement Awards. The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeds the jury criteria.
The Centre of Hope: Holistic approach to homelessness was entered in the category of Public Space Management and Operations which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects in the areas of clean, safe and hospitality, placemaking and activation and facilities management.
“Receiving this award underscores the strength of our partnership with Mould Empower Serve (MES), our dedicated social development partner in Bellville and Parow,” said Derek Bock, COO of the VRCID. “This recognition is shared with MES and highlights the power of public-private collaboration in helping those in need. Through the Centre of Hope, we’ve shown that it’s possible to bring individuals off the streets and offer them hope, even if only through a safe place to sleep. Our deepest gratitude goes to Ilse Maartens, MES Cape Town Manager, her incredible team, and our former Social Development Manager, Wilma Piek, for their relentless dedication to this cause.
We sincerely hope that the authorities will take note of the work being done by the VRCID and MES in providing safe spaces for the homeless. Despite operating on a limited social development budget of just R360,000 per year, together with MES, we have made significant strides. We remain committed to financially supporting the Centre of Hope for the next year, recognizing that the issue of homelessness is one we all must address—not just the City or Province.”
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews of the City of Cape Town praised the collaboration, stating:
“This recognition of the Centre of Hope by the International Downtown Association is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness. The VRCID and MES have shown what can be achieved when we work together to provide meaningful support and create safe spaces for those in need. The Centre of Hope serves as an inspiring example for the City of Cape Town and beyond, demonstrating that through partnerships, we can uplift communities and empower individuals towards self-sufficiency and dignity.”
The Centre of Hope was established to meet urgent needs within the Parow community, providing safe spaces, access to social services, and holistic support aimed at empowering individuals toward recovery and self-sufficiency. The Centre offers various development programs, counselling, and physical assistance, with a strong focus on job readiness and personal growth. By supporting individuals throughout their journey, the Centre plays a crucial role in improving the well-being of the area and promoting responsible giving through community education.
Leona Pienaar, CEO of MES, shared her gratitude for the partnership: “We are deeply grateful for our successful partnership with the VRCID, which has allowed us to make a meaningful impact in addressing homelessness in Parow. Together, our collaboration model is creating lasting change and offering hope to those most in need. Public-private partnerships are essential in addressing community needs, as they bring together resources, expertise, and shared commitment. By working together, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift and strengthen our communities. Together we are stronger indeed. It is my prayer that our Parow Centre of Hope will continue to bring Hope to the most vulnerable in our community. A special thank you to Derek Bock and Wilma Piek with their dedicated VRCID team who always go the extra mile to strengthen our hands and feet!”
The VRCID in partnership with MES have demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with their project, Centre of Hope: Holistic approach to homelessness,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Centre of Hope: Holistic approach to homelessness should serve as a framework to all member communities within IDA.”
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The VRCID is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Bellville and Parow.
About the VRCID
Established in 2012 as a Special Ratings Area (SRA), the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) serves the Voortrekker Road area in Bellville and Parow. As a non-profit company, the VRCID works closely with local authorities to provide supplementary services in security, cleansing, social development, and public space improvements. Under the leadership of COO Derek Bock, the VRCID collaborates with both public and private sectors to enhance the area for all stakeholders.
About IDA
The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org.
VRCID Media Contact:
Luané De Vries
PR and Marketing
luane@salud.africa
