KINGSTON, Jamaica, October 11, 2026 — People using the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in downtown Kingston are being moved to other facilities ahead of renovations, bringing a long-planned upgrade to the capital’s homeless accommodation closer to construction.
The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has begun relocating residents in stages to the Denham Town Golden Age Home and the Desmond McKenzie Drop-In Centre, according to Deputy Mayor Lorraine Dobson at an event marking World Homeless Day.
The announcement confirms that relocation is under way, but does not specify how many people have moved, when building work will begin or when the night shelter will reopen. Those details remain important for assessing the effect on the city’s limited accommodation for people without permanent homes.
Renovation promised earlier this year
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development announced a J$35 million renovation allocation for Marie Atkins during the June 2026 Sectoral Debate. The ministry said the work was part of wider investment in night shelters, drop-in centres and transitional accommodation.
A national homelessness survey completed in late 2025 identified approximately 2,261 people experiencing homelessness in Jamaica, according to figures presented by the ministry. It said 52.5 per cent were in Kingston and St Andrew. Those figures show why even a temporary reduction in central Kingston’s shelter capacity requires careful planning.
In a separate statement, the KSAMC said restoring Marie Atkins would eventually allow people accommodated at its Church Street facility to move there, freeing Church Street to resume its intended emergency-shelter function during hurricanes and other disasters. The municipality has not yet published a confirmed date for that transition.
Beyond a building refurbishment
The council is also asking charities and agencies to coordinate services for homeless residents. Acting Inspector of Poor Donna-Gaye Braidy said participation in the municipality’s coordinated feeding programme stood at approximately 50 per cent.
For the people being moved, continuity of meals, medical care, transport and case support will matter as much as the eventual building improvements. The next measurable steps are confirmation of temporary accommodation capacity, a works timetable and a reopening plan.
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