A homeless person is an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets; stay in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facilities, abandoned building or vehicle; or in any other unstable or non-permanent situation. [Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C., 254b)]

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Since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, homelessness in Jamaica has become a chronic problem. The National Committee on Homelessness, in a 2012 report, regarded the aftermath of Gilbert as one of the main events that led to the development of deep-seated homelessness in Jamaica. According to this report, "There are at least 1,160 persons who are homeless island wide. The majority — a total of 616 persons — reside in the parishes of Kingston and St Andrew.

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Since 2017 however, the pronouncements are that there are approximately 2,000 homeless people are residing on our streets in abject poverty across the island. In Jamaica, the general attitude of most persons toward the homeless is that they are all perceived to be mentally challenged and incapable of reason or meaningful occupation.

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There are several reasons that contribute to individuals becoming homeless. These include, but are not limited to, mental challenges, crime and violence, health issues (non- mental), family challenges, eviction, drug abuse, general poverty, unemployment (National Committee on Homelessness, 2012). It is also fair to add that deportation and urban drift are also responsible for and contribute to some of the issues related to homelessness being experienced today.