PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Six years after a number of street people were assaulted in Port Antonio, ground has been broken for a $51-million drop-in home centre and night shelter.

“The concept of this drop-in centre started around 2018; we intensified the call after several street persons were subject to physical abuse here in Port Antonio,” Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said last Friday during a ground-breaking ceremony for the facility.

He said the project is out for tender, after which the contract will be signed for construction.

“This is a modern, two-storey building with reinforced concrete and water harvesting. We’ll be putting in conservation methods — solar water-heating system and other such services — to supplement this facility. Downstairs will have a commercial-size kitchen, doctor’s office, laundry facilities, seating capacities for over 50 persons to dine, outdoor showers and bathrooms, and access for persons with disabilit[ies]. The sleeping accommodation will be for 18 males and 10 females, based on the research. There will be an administrative office and other support for service delivery,” the minister outlined.

It will be located at West Baptist Avenue, which is also the venue for the poor relief office and a facility operated by St John’s Ambulance Brigade.

“This location in the heart of Port Antonio provides the ideal spot to erect this facility,” said McKenzie.

The goal, he said, is to take as many people as possible off the streets.

According to the minister, the old male ward at the Port Antonio infirmary will be renovated to take care of some of the social needs of persons who are registered with the poor relief office as well as others housed at Port Antonio Hospital.