KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 400 homeless people were treated to a Christmas dinner Thursday on Water Lane in downtown Kingston, as Mayor Andrew Swaby, along with staff from the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), hosted its annual Christmas feeding programme.

Those in attendance were served a hot Christmas meal, and Mayor Swaby also distributed gifts to members of the crowd.

According to Swaby, the initiative has become a customary part of the KSAMC’s activities on Christmas Day. He noted that the response from those who benefited was positive.

“They were very happy with the services that were provided today,” he said, adding that the event also allowed homeless persons from the three shelters that were present to interact with each other, as well as with councillors and staff members.

Meanwhile, KSAMC Chief Executive Officer Robert Hill encouraged individuals and organisations who wish to assist the homeless to coordinate their efforts through the corporation.

He explained that, on many occasions, independent actors feed homeless people on the streets, which leads to them congregating in major urban areas and exposes them to certain risks.

According to Hill, the KSAMC is seeking to take greater control of the process by providing an orderly system through which assistance can be delivered.

He said that doing otherwise often results in garbage being left on the streets and conflicts among members of the homeless population over food.

Hill also noted that, in the New Year, the KSAMC plans to adjust its approach based on data collected from the Homelessness Survey, to provide better support to the homeless population.