Government departments have confirmed they will no longer fund disabled residents at St Luke’s care home and have no contingency plans for their care.

The facility will now need to raise about R70 000 a month through donations to continue caring for them.

As previously reported by the Courier (‘St Luke’s hit with funding withdrawal‘, February 27, 2026 and ‘Time running out for St Luke’s patients‘, March 6, 2026), the 81-year-old non-profit, which has provided housing and holistic care for mentally and physically disabled residents since 1945, received formal notice on December 31 that its Service Level Agreement and accompanying state subsidy will end on March 31.

The facility cares for 11 state-aided residents and 13 privately funded residents. While most residents live with disabilities, the home also accommodates a small number of elderly and frail individuals.

Earlier fears that residents might be forced to relocate were eased this week after the Department of Social Development confirmed that there are no plans to move the patients.

However, the department also confirmed it does not have the budget to take over funding responsibilities from the Department of Health.

DA spokesperson for social development Shontel de Boer said the Health department had been compelled to cut funding due to severe budget pressures affecting several care facilities.

“It is with concern that we note the suspension of funding for St Luke’s Home of Healing, which has for many years provided vital care and support to people living with disabilities in the iLembe District,” she said.

READ: #Letter: St Luke’s deserves all the support it can get | North Coast Courier

De Boer, who serves in the KZN Legislature, warned that the abrupt loss of provincial support places the home in a precarious position.

Many residents rely solely on their Sassa disability grant of R2 320 per month and depend entirely on the facility for accommodation, daily care and medical support.

“At present there are no plans by either department to relocate the residents,” she said.

“St Luke’s will need to seek support from donors and partners to ensure residents continue receiving the care they depend on.”

St Luke’s chairperson Lisa O’Mant said she is preparing to launch urgent fundraising efforts but is waiting for written confirmation from both departments before informing the residents.

“I cannot tell my patients until I have it in writing because they are still traumatised at the idea of leaving,” she said.

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