(Jamaica Observer) The Board of Supervision of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is putting in place an identification system, as it looks to adequately meet the needs of the country’s homeless.
National Homelessness Coordinator, Damion Campbell, said the system, which is currently in the implementation phase, will be used to identify and monitor homeless persons across the island.
Campbell said there is an estimated 884 homeless persons in Jamaica.
He pointed out that the ID system will complement efforts already underway in some parishes, where a homeless count is done on a daily basis, with pictures and other relevant information taken for reference.
According to Campbell, the aim is to reduce the homeless population.
In the meantime, persons can access accommodation, hygiene care, and warm meals at facilities across the island.
These include the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston, Portland Rehabilitation Centre and Open Arms Drop-In Centre, Portland, Refuge of Hope in St James, Westmoreland Association for Street People in Savanna-la-mar, and the Ebenezer Home in Manchester.