RSVP Homeless Outreach Project
The issue of homeless is longstanding, misunderstood and is not being given the desired attention it needs. While there are government
agencies and NGOs who are playing their role in assisting homeless and stress person, at RSVP Caribbean we feel so much more needs to be done
in a practical and collaborative way and based on evidence. The main focus for RSVP has been advocacy and providing for their basic needs through
our monthly outreach. However as an organization the decision has been made to look at more sustainable solutions. We understand that this will take
time, effort and resources and we are committed to working with the homeless and street persons individually and collectively.
Persons are on the streets for various reasons, this includes: natural or manmade disaster, unemployment, broken relationship, an illness,
being deported, mental illness, mental, physical or emotional abuse, violence, disability, discharge from prison, addictions of varying kinds,
substance abuse, among other things. It is a myth that majority of the population who are homeless have a mental illness and our unfortunate
description is that they are "mad", hence they are ostracized.
The numbers keep rising but as at December 2016, there are 43 homeless and street persons in the town of Mandeville, Jamaica.
Our goal for 2017-2020
- Monthly Outreach - providing food and personal care items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste,
toothbrush, clothing) the last Friday of each month.
- 5 Homeless Cases - through our research we have decided to work on getting 5 persons off the streets in the next 3years. Resources permitting
we will be able to do more. This will include rehabilitation for some, accommodation, for all and finding employment among other things.