The third national homeless survey will be conducted next month.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will undertake the process through the board of supervision from October 6 to 10.

The survey is a nationwide count of individuals experiencing homelessness and was last conducted in 2017.

Data collection will be done in major towns and cities across Jamaica, with a focus on known ‘hotspots’ identified by inspectors of poor in each parish.

Secretary of the Board of Supervision, Treka Lewis, told JIS News that the survey aims to generate critical data to inform future policies and services for individuals experiencing homelessness across Jamaica.

Ms. Lewis noted that individuals classified as homeless are those residing in spaces not intended for human habitation, such as bus parks, gullies, abandoned buildings, and similar locations.

She further informed that the survey, which will be administered through a structured questionnaire, will gather information on demographics, health status, educational attainment, reasons for homelessness, and access to government benefits, among other key indicators.

The survey, will allow the authorities to provide geospatial information on the location of persons experiencing homelessness, which can help determine locations for night shelter or drop in centres.

She indicated that the survey will be conducted during early morning hours, prior to the daily dispersal of individuals.

she further shared that the Kobo Toolbox, a software platform enabling real-time data collection and analysi will be used to administer the survey, which is expected to take approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete.

The team from the Board of Supervision, will be supported in the field by representatives from the Social Development Commission, mental health officers and the police.