Life-Changing Moment for St. Thomas Mother Under the New Social Housing Programme

Shirley Bennett, a single mother residing in St. Thomas, experienced a life-changing moment on Thursday (June 19), after receiving a two-bedroom home under the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, presented Ms. Bennett with the keys during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the community of Style Hut, Port Morant.

She was among five beneficiaries in St. Thomas who received homes on Thursday under the NSHP.

Ms. Bennett, who expressed gratitude while speaking during the ceremony, noted that the condition of the dilapidated wooden structure she shared with her family “was never suitable for a human being to live in”, pointing out that, “it often leaked when it rained”.

“I am so grateful for the [new] house… words can’t explain. I have been through a lot of hardship, living in that one that I was in; it wasn’t good at all for me and my young daughters… the house was deplorable,” an emotional Ms. Bennett said

She fought back the tears to also thank the stakeholders facilitating the provision of the house, which she will share with two of her daughters.

“I want to thank the taxpayers for what they have done for me. To the Most Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, Dr. Michelle Charles, my MP (Member of Parliament, St. Thomas Eastern), I want to say thank you… . Thanks to everybody that made this possible for me right now,” Ms. Bennett said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Arlene Williams, highlighted the transformational effect that the NSHP will have on the beneficiaries’ lives.

“We see how this programme… is bringing hope to persons [and] changing their lives. When we give these houses, it’s really with a view to improving your lives, to pulling you up and giving you that dignity that you deserve,” she said.

Mrs. Williams also moved to allay concerns among beneficiaries that the Government could reclaim the homes after handover.

She explained that individuals selected to benefit from the NSHP must own or have access to land through a deed of gift on which the house will be built, making the unit their property.

“I want to dispel all myths… when we hand over the house to you, you will never see us coming back to say, ‘come out’. This is your house!” the Permanent Secretary added.

Highlighting the NSHP’s far-reaching impact, Mrs. Williams emphasised that, “this is how we are really breaking intergenerational poverty as well; because you would have had your dependents, it’s very likely that the house will be passed on to them.”

In noting the programme’s focus on Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens, Mrs. Williams disclosed that approximately 293 houses have been handed over to beneficiaries islandwide, to date.

She added that construction of 43 additional units is nearing completion, with another 65 housing solutions slated to come on stream during fiscal year 2025/26.

“So, it is over 400 in a very short time… a significant achievement. When we go, we see… how this programme… is changing the lives of persons and bringing them hope,” Mrs. Williams added.

The NSHP, which was established in 2018, forms the housing component of the Government’s Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme.

The initiative continues to deliver not just shelter but dignity and renewed hope.