New Social Housing Programme Reshaping Lives.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has emphasised the impact of the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) in reshaping the lives of beneficiaries.

He said it is difficult not to have a deep emotional connection to the stories of individuals and families who have benefited from the initiative.

“The most important thing anyone can own or acquire in life is a home,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring the significance of shelter as a foundation for stability and growth.

With more than 300 housing units handed over, to date, Dr. Holness further noted that his Administration would steadfastly fulfil its mandate of addressing the housing needs of Jamaica’s most marginalised citizens.

He highlighted some of the moving tributes and testimonials from beneficiaries, many of whom were left flabbergasted and speechless when the seemingly fleeting dream of homeownership became a reality.

“There are persons like Correne Brown from Hendon, Norwood, in St. James. Ms. Brown’s journey has been one of heartbreak and resilience. After a fire destroyed her home and everything her family owned, she was left to navigate unimaginable challenges. Her children were separated from her, forced to live with family friends as she struggled to rebuild their lives from nothing,” the

Prime Minister said, during a handover ceremony on January 17.

“Today, in an emotional moment where she broke down in tears as she received the keys to her new home, [her dream has been realised],” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness also mentioned Veronica Innis from Somerton in St. James, who has faced years of unimaginable hardships, living in a house that was literally falling apart around her.

“Despite these challenges, today marked a fresh start for Ms. Innis. With tears in her eyes and a smile that spoke volumes, she opened the door to her brand-new home, proudly declaring, ‘welcome to my new home’,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness said that as leaders, “it’s our duty” to ensure that no Jamaican faces such hardships alone, adding that this is why the Government remains committed to providing support and stability for families in need.

Launched in 2018, the NSHP was developed to improve the housing condition of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population by providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing, contributing to the country’s broader goals of social equity and economic development.

“By definition, it’s designed to help the poor and needy. Our vision is to assist as many Jamaicans as possible to have a place they can call home,” the Prime Minister told JIS News.

The beneficiaries of the NSHP come from diverse backgrounds, representing a cross-section of Jamaican society. Many are single parents, the elderly, and individuals living with disabilities, all of whom face significant barriers to homeownership.

For them, the NSHP is not just about receiving a house; it symbolises hope, stability, and a fresh start.

The Prime Minister further recounted other testimonials from beneficiaries who spoke about the profound impact of finally having a place to call their own.

Several, he noted, were very emotional when making the point that it was not all about just bricks and mortar, but also about dignity and creating a future for “our children”, further highlighting the emotional weight of homeownership.

“There’s also Jason Edwards from St. Mary Central, a young man who has been living in tough conditions – no floor, a leaky roof, and no proper bathroom. But those days are now behind him.

With a recommendation from the Member of Parliament, Dr. Morais Guy, and the support of the NSHP, Jason now has a safe, comfortable home built with care and funded by the hard-working taxpayers of Jamaica,” the Prime Minister told JIS News.

“Then there is the story of Keneisha Ellis from out of North West St. James, who is now celebrating a new beginning. Today (January 17), I handed over a brand-new home to Ms. Ellis, a resilient mother of three. Her life took a devastating turn when a fire destroyed her home and everything her family owned. Since that tragic day, Ms. Ellis and her children have been forced to live apart, staying with friends and relatives, while she worked tirelessly to support her family, including two children who are still in school,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness pointed out that the new house gives them a chance to reunite and rebuild their lives.

“It’s moments like this that remind us why we must keep working to ensure every Jamaican has a safe and stable place to call home,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are building homes, transforming lives and empowering communities, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.

Dr. Holness said that as the stories of transformation multiply, it becomes increasingly clear that the NSHP is not merely a housing initiative but also a lifeline for those in need, offering the promise of stability, dignity, and a brighter future for generations to come.