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 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 the NHT looks 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 disclosed that an assessment will be done to determine housing needs in each parish, and the NHT will look at the provision of appropriate housing solutions.