A Glimpse into the Lives of the Homeless in Mandeville
Last Saturday, the sight of a homeless person sleeping on the sidewalk in Mandeville stirred conversations among locals about the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless community in this vibrant parish. The image, captured by Kasey Williams, serves as a stark reminder of the pressing issues surrounding homelessness, particularly for those grappling with mental illness.
In the heart of Manchester, the debate over how to best support the homeless continues to unfold. Dr. Wendy Freckleton, chair of the Candle in the Dark Empowerment Centre, shared some hopeful news with the Jamaica Observer. Following a recent meeting with the Manchester Municipal Corporation, plans are underway to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing homelessness in the area.
“The parish council had a meeting last Friday, and we will be formulating an MOU between Candle in the Dark and the municipal corporation to ensure that we can have an agreement to alleviate the challenges of homelessness,” Dr. Freckleton explained. This partnership is expected to bring about significant changes by June, providing much-needed support to those living on the streets.
However, not all is well in the realm of mental health support. Dr. Freckleton expressed her concerns about the Southern Regional Health Authority’s approach to treating mentally ill individuals who are homeless. “The health department used to come to Candle once per month and treat the persons there and assist with grooming them. They haven’t been doing that,” she lamented. Instead, she noted that the current practice involves administering medication on the streets, which she believes is not an adequate solution.
“Injecting mentally ill people on the streets is not the right way to medicate people and give them assistance,” she asserted. Dr. Freckleton emphasized that Candle in the Dark is well-equipped to provide proper care, including a safe space for check-ups and support.
In response, Michael Bent, regional director at the Southern Regional Health Authority, defended their methods. “We have a team of psychiatrists, mental health officers, and nurses who are specially trained to deal with mentally ill people,” he stated. He highlighted the availability of three mental health buses that transport staff to treat patients in the community.
Candle in the Dark, established over 25 years ago, plays a crucial role in supporting the homeless population in Mandeville. “We need a lot more assistance to care for the people,” Dr. Freckleton said, emphasizing the need for financial support to hire staff who can monitor and assist the residents effectively.
The homeless population in Mandeville is not static; it fluctuates throughout the year. “Homeless people are migratory, so it fluctuates. The number of people we care for at Candle can range anywhere from 30 to 45 on a monthly basis,” Dr. Freckleton explained. Interestingly, many of the homeless individuals in Manchester are not originally from the parish, with some coming from as far as Montego Bay, St Elizabeth, St Ann, and Trelawny.
As the community grapples with these complex issues, there’s a sense of optimism for the future. “We do expect things to change within the first half of this year,” Dr. Freckleton concluded. With the proposed partnership between Candle in the Dark and the municipal corporation, there is hope that the lives of the homeless in Mandeville will improve, paving the way for a more compassionate approach to addressing homelessness and mental health in the parish.
Will this partnership be the turning point that Mandeville needs to create a more supportive environment for its most vulnerable residents?