Poor Relief

POOR RELIEF

Who We Serve 

The Poor Relief Department is dedicated to helping individuals who face extreme poverty or who are unable to provide for themselves due to physical or mental challenges. This includes: 

The elderly who may require long-term care. 

Disabled individuals who cannot work or earn a living. 

Those affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires, or droughts. 

Homeless individuals or families in need of shelter and support. 

 

Services offered:  

Outdoor Poor Programme 

This program is designed for individuals who are able to live outside an institutional setting but are still in need of assistance. We offer a variety of support, including: 

1. Homelessness and Shelter Care Programme 

The Poor Relief Department operates a shelter to provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals in Trelawny. The shelter offers a safe environment while also focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and providing access to social intervention programs and possible employment opportunities. 
 

2. Education Assistance & Care of Poor Children 

To help break the cycle of poverty, this program focuses on providing education assistance to poor children in Trelawny. Support includes coverage for school fees, examination fees, books, lunch money, bus fare, uniforms, and other necessary school supplies to ensure children receive a proper education. 
 

3. Indigent Housing Programme 

Some individuals may qualify for assistance with rental costs or home repairs. This program helps improve living conditions by providing essential building materials such as cement, zinc, windows, doors, water tanks, and toilets for those in need of shelter and repair assistance. 
 

4. Feeding Programme 

The Poor Relief Department distributes food to the needy, including both registered and temporary poor individuals, throughout Trelawny. This programme ensures that individuals facing hardship have access to the nourishment they require. 
 

5. Burial Assistance 

During times of grief, the department provides both financial and moral support to families in Trelawny who have lost a loved one. Burial assistance is available to both registered and temporary poor populations to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses. 
 

Indoor Poor Programme 

Our Indoor Poor Programme serves individuals who are unable to care for themselves, primarily the elderly and those requiring constant medical attention. This program provides: 

  1. Residential Care (Trelawny Infirmary): Long-term accommodation in a secure, supervised environment. 
  2. Medical and Nutritional Support: Access to healthcare services, regular meals, and necessary supplies. 
  3. Temporary Shelter: For individuals in need of short-term accommodation and assistance. 

Drop-In Centre 

Our Drop-In Centre offers a vital service to the less fortunate in the community. We provide nutritious meals twice daily, including breakfast and lunch, to individuals and families who are unable to provide meals for themselves. The Drop-In Centre is open for individuals to come, enjoy a warm meal, and leave afterward, with no obligations. This service ensures that those in need are supported with essential nutrition and care. 

Our staff works across four zones within the parish to ensure that all individuals in need are reached: 
Zone 1: Falmouth 
Zone 2: Wakefield 
Zone 3: Jackson Town 
Zone 4: Albert Town 

 

How We Work 
In accordance with the Poor Relief Act, the department aids to provide assistance to the most vulnerable individuals within the parish, focusing on those who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions. The Poor Relief Department is funded by central government grants and collaborates with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based groups, and local communities to ensure the most effective service delivery. 
We also offer referrals to other agencies when additional support is needed, ensuring that each individual’s needs are fully addressed. 

 
Get Involved 
The success of our programs is made possible by the generous support of donors. We welcome both monetary donations and in-kind contributions such as clothing, non-perishable food, hygiene products, and medical supplies. Your support directly impacts the lives of those in need. 
To make a donation or learn more about how you can contribute, please contact us at 876-954-3228/ 876 843-0065. 

Contact Us 
For more information about our services or to inquire about eligibility for assistance, please reach out to the Poor Relief Department at the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.