Help for homeless – Humphrey

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey is giving the assurance that a situation where people are reportedly living on the street in the Rendezvous Hill, Christ Church area, is under control.

The minister spoke to the press during the open day for Camp Reach at the National Disabilities Unit about the report which was carried on CBC earlier this week. Humphrey said though there was some push-back initially, headway is being made in having the situation corrected.

“Homelessness is a very complicated thing, and in this particular scenario there was one person we spoke to who told me his situation was in relation to a [failed] relationship, and now having to find an accommodation

“The National Assistance Board is working with him. He already received support from the Welfare Department and we have advised that if he is able to find a place to rent we would be able to pay the rent.”

The minister added: “Kemar Saffrey [Founder of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness] was also there at the site visit with us, and they have made their facilities available to house the persons who may need housing temporarily, and to do an assessment to make sure the persons are in the right mental state.”

Humphrey also stressed that at some point soon, a policy aimed at targeting homelessness on the island must be drafted in order to better assist persons in great need.

“We need, as there is in other countries, to have a policy that addresses homelessness, because in some cases there is going to be a case where we can have that conversation and we can come to a conclusion where everybody agrees to be helped. But there are some people who need help and are not willing to receive that help. Perhaps there needs to be some policy that allows us to intervene, [and] help people help themselves.” (SB)