Homelessness In Jamaica

Introduction

Definitions of homelessness vary, and housing program guidelines for what qualifies as an episode of homelessness are often different, depending on whether the program is funded by government, or nongovernmental (NGO) agencies. Jamaica’s current shortage of affordable housing makes subsidized housing programs, such as those funded by government, one of the only options for homeless individuals seeking permanent housing. However, strict guidelines for these programs, and the varying definitions of homelessness, serve as barriers, particularly to chronically homeless men, unsheltered individuals tasked with proving homelessness in order to qualify for assistance obtaining permanent housing. One of the definitions that is offered

In the early 2000s, this intricate social phenomenon was recognized as being in heightened crisis in Jamaica with the “Dumping of Street People at Mudlake”. The subsequent years have seen a steep rise in the number of homeless men, due in part to economic decline, as well as diminishing support for these men in both the public and private sectors (Bassuk, 2004). The vast number of those being deported with no support system in place has also being a contributing factor. It is noteworthy that the homeless are part of a heterogeneous population consisting of diverse races, ages, sexual orientations, and family structures. Men have always comprised the most significant portion of homeless persons in Jamaica. However there have seemed to be an increase, this escalation is attributed to a number of risk factors, including domestic violence, unemployment, deportation, and drug and alcohol

However, more men are refusing to even try and access the services of shelters because of the vast amount of barriers that exists. Employees of such institutions should view their job as a means of helping to maintain the greater good of the country, never-the-less the barriers seem to but a “dark cloud” over this service. Although Jamaica has made her land mark in many areas globally, there is still a great limitation on published articles looking into the lives of homeless facilities, their clients and their staff. As it relates to more modern country it has been observed that not much attention is focused on staff as much as the service users and the facilities. This research will try to fill the gap by providing more information into the views of employees and homeless men on the barriers they perceived that has an impact on services of shelters are