Human rights advocate Carla Gullotta is urging Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to prioritize the establishment of more transitional facilities for the homeless, arguing that the current reliance on drop-in centres is insufficient to address the root causes of homelessness. Gullotta, who operates the Portland Rehabilitation Management Homeless Shelter in Port Antonio, highlighted the limitations of drop-in centres, which provide temporary shelter but fail to offer long-term solutions or professional support for mental health issues often linked to homelessness. She emphasized that transitional facilities, like her shelter, have proven more effective in helping individuals regain stability and reintegrate into society. Gullotta also underscored the alarming prevalence of mental health challenges in Jamaica, citing Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton’s revelation that 40% of Jamaicans experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced plans to conduct a nationwide survey on homelessness and build 14 new shelters across the island, aiming to address the growing crisis more comprehensively.