Temporary Homeless Shelter To Be Closed

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is preparing to close its temporary shelter for street dwellers, located immediately beneath the Riverside Carpark, South Quay, Port of Spain. The temporary facility, which was constructed with the help of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force in April 2020, was able to provide shelter, as well as nutritional and hygienic support for 93 persons during the last ten months. The Ministry says following the ease of public health restrictions, which were implemented by the Government between March and November 2020, the facility's services are now under-utilised, and residents have been advised. Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox says there remains adequate accommodation for eligible persons at the Centre for Socially Displaced Persons, but notes that persons must be willing to adhere to the Centre's rules and regulations.