KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie, is appealing to family members to not abandon their homeless relatives and help provide safe accommodation for them.

“Many of our homeless friends and families, they come from homes, but some of their families have abandoned them, turned their backs on them and turned them out… . I call on Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for your family,” he urged.

The minister was addressing the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Wellness Day of Care to commemorate World Homeless Day, at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston on Thursday, October 10.

Minister McKenzie said there are currently more than 3,000 homeless persons living on the streets.
“Help us to reduce that number. Be responsible, care for them, respect them, and love them,” he encouraged.

For his part, Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said that many homeless persons are victims of unfortunate circumstances, which have left them without a place to call home.

He noted that the Poor Relief Department continues to work with various partners and stakeholders to extend a helping hand to assist these individuals to improve their circumstances.

“Whether it is caused by unemployment, mental illness or poverty, no one wants to live on the streets where they have no shelter or proper facilities. We, at the KSAMC, are aware of the challenges experienced by members of the homeless community and we are trying our best to do what we can with what we have,” he said.

The KSAMC partnered with several entities to stage the Wellness Day of Care.

The day’s activities served to highlight and to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness and included the distribution of care packages, provision of a hot meal, grooming services, medical checks, and more.

– JIS