Homeward bound
KSAMC praised for ongoing efforts to rehabilitate, return homeless to their families
Published:Monday | October 14, 2024 | 12:10 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
The Government’s effort to lessen the plight of the homeless population has seen some amount of success, with around 68 persons being rehabilitated and returned to their families since 2020, according to Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.
Speaking recently on the occasion of World Homeless Day, McKenzie praised the efforts of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), which he said has been continuing a programme to assist homeless persons.
“I want to tell you this morning that since 2020, more than 68 homeless persons have been rehabilitated and have been returned to their families and are now contributing to the growth and development of Jamaica, and I think this is a tremendous achievement by those persons,” McKenzie said last Thursday as the KSAMC hosted a Wellness Day of Care for the Homeless in downtown Kingston.
“Today, I want to commend the KSAMC in its effort to continue a programme that was started before. The Marie Atkins (Night Shelter) facility is one of two. We have the other facility, the Desmond McKenzie (Transitional Centre for the Homeless) facility, which is presently in the second phase of construction, where we will expand the space to take an additional 45 male homeless persons.”
The reduction in the homeless population in Kingston and St Andrew is in contrast to the neighbouring parish of St Catherine, where, The Gleaner reported on Sunday, the homeless population has increased.
While there was no comparative figure, it has been estimated that there are more than 300 homeless people in St Catherine.
McKenzie said there are over 3,000 homeless people in Jamaica and used the opportunity to appeal to Jamaicans to be more caring towards them.
“Many of our homeless friends have families, they have homes, but some of the families have abandoned them, turned their backs on them, turned them out. I want to use the occasion this morning to call on Jamaicans to take a personal responsibility for your family. Over 3,000 Jamaicans right across the country continue to make the streets their home. Help us to reduce these numbers, become responsible, care for them, respect them, and love them.”
In the meantime, Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby said the KSAMC is seeking ways to reduce its homeless population even further.
“The KSAMC would like to shed positive light on our homeless community by treating them with the love and care they deserve,” Swaby said.
“We at the KSAMC are aware of the challenges experienced by members of the homeless community and are trying our best to do what we can with what we have. While I would prefer that there were no homeless persons and that everyone had a suitable, comfortable place to call home, nonetheless, I am pleased to be here today to show our love and care for our brothers and sisters who have fallen on hard times to let them know that they have not been forgotten. Let us all continue to work to make sure that next year we have a less homeless population.”
World Homeless Day has been observed internationally on October 10 every year since 2010 and serves as a platform to, among other things, advocate for help to end homelessness.
It is estimated that there are 150 million homeless people worldwide.