#Kingston, Jamaica, March 26, 2024 – The National Housing Trust (NHT) will partner with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to construct 14 homeless shelters on government lands across the island.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during his contribution to the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives recently.

He said the shelters will vary in size and design based on needs assessments carried out by social workers and housing specialists to properly address the needs of the homeless as well as genuine social cases identified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The Prime Minister said that the Trust is also looking to provide more shelter services for other vulnerable groups.

“We also recognise that our wards of the State, on attaining age 18, need assistance with accommodation over a two-to-three-year period while mentoring continues for them to achieve personal and career goals to lead independent lives,” he pointed out.

The Prime Minister informed that an assessment will be done to determine housing needs in particular parishes, and the NHT will look at the provision of appropriate housing solutions.

Contact: Chris Patterson

Photo: Donald De La Haye

Caption: Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, makes his contribution to the 2024/2025 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 21.