The sod has been turned for an assessment centre and temporary housing facility for socially displaced persons.

The site is at South Quay in Port of Spain, with the facility set to be a 5-storey structure.

Addressing the sod turning today was Social Development Minister Donna Cox, who said it represents an end to the back and forth on how to resolve the street dwelling challenges that have plagued T&T for over four decades.

She said when fully functional, the facility will provide the homeless population with a place to get a meal, a shower, clean clothes, see a doctor, dentist, or seek psycho-social and spiritual counselling.

She added that there will be collaboration and consistent evaluation to help offer job training, skills development programmes, and access to healthcare services.