The 'Open Arms' drop in centre, situated on Bellevue lands at 16 1/2 Windward Road, was officially launched on Wednesday, November 8, 2006. Giving greetings were Harry Douglas, Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Environment, Shahine Robinson, Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government and Mayor Desmond McKenzie of the KSAC. Information Minister, Donald Buchanan gave the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, who sent apologies for her unavoidable absence.

Among those who brought greetings were Patrick and Selena Hayle from the City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville Florida. Mrs. Hayle was visiting in Jamaica about 2 years ago when it was announced that the government of Jamaica would be embarking on projects to assist the homeless. Having been involved in homeless shelters before in Jacksonville, Mrs Hayle volunteered her services and has been giving useful advice since. Also bringing greetings was Billy Heaven, CEO of CHASE. CHASE are a major funder of the project, having donated over J$4.2 million to the renovation of the old morgue that has become 'Open Arms'.

Aims

'Open Arms' aims to provide meals, baths and cloths as well as psychiatric care to the homeless. The centre also hopes to provide occupational therapy for the homeless, with the goal of reintegrating them with their families and society.

Brief History of the Project

The 'Open Arms' drop in centre is a project of the Committee for the Homeless, a committee of the Board of Supervision for the relief of the Poor in Jamaica. The Board of Supervision is a statutory board of the Ministry of Local Government and Environment. The Committee for the Homeless was established when Ezroy Millwood wrote two years ago to the then Minister of Local Government, Portia Simpson-Miller, about his concerns about the homeless on the streets of Kingston.

The Committee for the Homeless is currently chaired by Dr. Maureen Irons-Morgan, a Senior Medical Officer at the Bellevue Hospital.

Future Plans

The Open Arms centre is designed to be a pilot for other similar projects islandwide with a goal to having a similar programme in each parish. It is also the first step which will lead to the establishment of a medium term residential faciltity, with a building already identified on Bellevue lands. The third step would be a long term residential solution.