An opportunity to end chronic homelessness

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Two months after Hurricane Melissa, the post-cabinet press briefing reported that there are approximately 100 shelters still active, housing approximately 1,107 displaced persons.

Efforts are being made to bring aid to those adversely affected. The response has been tremendous but the problem of homelessness will obviously need long-term planning for workable solutions.

As a part of the plan to address the acute crisis of homelessness, the prime minister has announced that some 5,000 container homes will be procured by NHT to arrive in Jamaica in 2026.

However, in addition to those made homeless by Hurricane Melissa, there are an estimated 2,000 plus people living on the streets of Jamaica. The post hurricane crisis also presents an opportunity to provide for these persons in a way that augurs strength, resiliency and sustainability.

Studies show that these persons’ chronic homelessness are associated with a number of factors including enduring mental illness, substance abuse, social upheavals, fires, growing up in state homes and discharge from prisons and other institutions.

Jamaica has achieved a lot in the development of initiatives to address chronic homelessness (drop-in-centres, transitional home facilities, safe feeding programs and assertive outreach).

However, drop-in centres, transitional facilities are meant to provide short-term to medium-term housing. Long-term supportive housing would offer substantial and long-term solution to chronic homelessness. Supportive housing is a way of linking affordable long-term housing with supports that these persons need to remain living in community as contributing citizens.

These supportive services include mental health and substance abuse care, general healthcare, life skills and vocational skills training, social connections and work opportunities.

Without these permanent solutions, the drop-in centres, night shelters and transitional facilities are forced to function as long-term residences with a bottle-neck effect.

The seamless integration of supportive housing into services to the homeless already provided by the Ministry of Local Government and the Community Mental Health Services, to the other related ministries and departments would guarantee their sustainability. The Government may also seek and accept partnership from interested NGOs, Faith-based organizations and international partners in order to develop and implement this plan, “leaving no one behind,” as the prime minister has said in the past.

As a part of the plan for building houses that are resilient and lasting while focusing on the overwhelming demand presented by Hurricane Melissa, we should not miss this opportunity to end chronic homelessness in Jamaica.

MAUREEN IRONS-MORGAN