In the early 1990's there was an organized march by persons living on the streets of Kingston to Jamaica House. 

A meeting was called at Jamaica House with the Ministers of Health, Local Government & Labour, Welfare & Sports. They were instructed to investigate what had happened and to make recommendations to solve it. 

A committee was formed with Community Mental Health Officers, Salvation Army personnel, The deliverance center at 104 Waltham Park Road, the Kingston Restoration Committee, the K.S.A.C Poor Relief Department and the Police. 

The Committee walked the streets of Kingston by night speaking with most of the people living on the streets. Different reasons were given for being on the streets. These included an inability to pay rent, dislocation after Hurricane Gilbert, dislocation due to fire and a lack of family support. 

It was discovered that only some of these persons were mentally ill. 

Arrangements were made for the older persons to go to the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home. Others were sent to Father Ho Lung facilities. Some persons however refused to leave the streets. 

A decision was taken by the committee that it was a matter for the Ministry of Local Government. 

In 1989 Councillor Marie Atkins became Mayor of Kingston & St. Andrew. In her inaugural speech one of the things she expressed a desire to accomplish was improving the circumstances of her poor brothers and sisters who were domicile on the streets of Kingston & St. Andrew and who faced adverse conditions. 

The then Inspector of Poor, Mrs Pearline Barrett upon reading the report in the newspaper discussed the article with Mrs. Carol Anthony, the present Inspector of Poor. A letter was sent by them to the Mayor congratulating her on bing elected Mayor and pledging to work with her to achieve the goal of helping the street people 

In May 1993, Mr Pokar Chandiram, the then Chairman of Food for the Poor presented a trooper to the Poor Relief Department. The Mayor, who was present, took the opportunity to discuss the idea of the Street People Programme. Mr. Chadiram told her he would be happy to assist her in such a worthy programme. 

The following day a draft estimate for a bathing and feeding area in the old Roads & Works premises at George's Lane was prepared by Mr. Louis Edwards, Deputy City Engineer. 

The Committee did not want the clients to collect their food at the gate so some concrete slabs were designed in the form benches and tables. In addition to the sheds, bathrooms and washing areas were also designed. 

While construction was taking place the team of Salvation Army, Community Mental Health Officers and the Police revisited the Street People by night to tell them of the facilities that would be available and to see if they were interested. The response was very good. 

The construction was completed by the end of October and November 11, 1993 was designated the opening date. Food for the Poor provided all the utensils, pots, an industrial stove, freezer and other things that were needed. 

On the night of November 10th, the team hit the streets again inviting the clients to come at 7:00 a.m the following morning. 

November 11, 1993 will always be a day to remember. 

Without any fanfare the people came in; some willingly and some had to be enticed. The stronger ones took the weaker ones. There was a "Shepherd" who took most of the unwilling ones in. 

That first morning, they had a bath, change of clothes, said grace, sang and had a lovely breakfast. 

The Feeding and Hygiene program was officially launched on November 16, 1993. 

The Programmee was reviewed by the Mayor and the Poor Relief Department. It was decided that it was not helping much if the people went back on the street to sleep.

On the compound was the building which previously accommodated the Roads and Works Department of the KSCA. However, it was in disrepair. 

The Mayor went on a campaign to secure funds to refurbish the building as a Night Shelter. 

The Ministry of Local Government under Minister John Junor made an allocation toward the refurbishing. 

The allocation did not complete the job and the Mayor sought and got the funds from the Netherlands Ambassador Nico Johnber. 

Upon the completion of the repairs bedding and other necessities were provided by Food for the Poor.

Three persons were employed to work at the Night Shelter, House Mother, a Cook and a Security Guard. 

Females are accommodated upstairs and males downstairs. 

Many persons have been reunited with their families. some have been given a new lease on life and have left the shelter to start over again. 

Currently special emphasis is place on the care of the elderly, although the age group varies. 

The has also given accommodation to mothers and their babies. 

A Medical Doctor visits every Thursday, the Mental Health officer visits monthly. 

The residents are encouraged to attend the church in the environs. They are also responsible for the cleaning of the building and the premises.