Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Mayor Michael Belnavis says in an effort to get the homeless off the streets, he will be moving towards providing overnight shelter for them at the Ocho Rios drop in centre.

The shelter, which is operated by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, was opened last year, and has been providing cooked food and clothing for nearly 30 persons, on a daily basis.

Mayor Belnavis says there is a need for the facility to allow some people to stay overnight, adding that he is committed to making that a reality.

The mayor is calling for members of the public and the business community to contribute to the project.

Mr. Belnavis notes that the intention is to have a facility that can cater to rehabilitation of the homeless.

He was addressing patrons at the mayor’s benevolent ball at the Riu Hotel, on Saturday.

The drop in centre is a beneficiary of the proceeds of Saturday night’s ball.

Mr. Belnavis said other plans for Ocho Rios, include the transformation of the Buckfield playground into a multipurpose skills centre.