The Social Development Ministry says it is on the brink of establishing an Assessment Centre and Temporary Housing Facility for socially displaced persons.

Today, Minister Donna Cox toured the under-construction site in Port of Spain – it is five storeys and can hold up to 200 persons, including five family units.

There will also be a range of amenities including dorms for males and females, a training room, kitchen, dining room, laundry facility and recreational area.

Medical, psychiatric and social assessments will also be provided.

The facility is expected to be completed by October of this year.

Minister Cox said the issue of successfully removing persons from the streets and into the new facility will be addressed in coming legislation.

She adds that assessment is key in ensuring the facility caters to those in need, saying “It’s a case by case basis after the assessment is done. It would be three months in the first instance, and if necessary we will work according to the situation.”