Members of the homeless community in St James will be feted, on Friday, June 10, 2022, when Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie and the St. James Municipal Corporation host the Desmond McKenzie Homeless Wellness Day of Care at Jarrett Park.
A fulfilling day, complemented by holistic care for the homeless is promised, as the initiative will run from 10 am to 2 pm, and will feature a number of key services from state agencies. Homeless persons can expect to be shuttled to the venue from the Care Centre and surrounding areas of Montego Bay.
Beneficiaries can also expect to receive services from the Ministry of Health and Wellness among other stakeholders including Registrar General Department, Administrator General’s Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, National Committee for the Homeless, Legal Aid Council, Jamaica Aids Support for Life, Social Development Commission and National Solid Waste Management Authority which will be on location.
Persons from the homeless population of St James, which numbers approximately 235, will have access to health services in: gynecology, dentistry, vaccination, psychology, psychiatry and physiotherapy. Additionally, Care packages will be disbursed while hair care and other grooming services will be provided.
Mayor of Montego Bay, Leeroy Williams is elated to host the Sat. James leg of the initiative.
He stated that the initiative, being observed under the theme ‘Empowering our most vulnerable- the homeless’, is fitting and timely as it supports the mandate of the St James Municipal Corporation in caring for the most vulnerable.
“At the St James Municipal Corporation, we pride ourselves on providing the homeless with needed care and attention on a daily basis. However, events like this one foster inclusivity and ensure that the wellbeing of less fortunate persons is taken into account on a much broader scale. For instance, on the day of the event, this vulnerable group will have access to services that can empower them to return to a state of independent living”, stated Mayor Williams.
Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer of the St James Municipal Corporation, Gerald Lee said “the Corporation is happy to spearhead the planning and execution of the Wellness Day for the Homeless in St James as it bolsters existing efforts carried out by the human services department in the Municipality”.
The Desmond McKenzie Wellness Day of Care for the Homeless is the brainchild of Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Desmond McKenzie and seeks to empower the most vulnerable- the homeless. An inaugural staging of this event was hosted in Kingston on April 23, at the St. William Grant Park.
