Kingston family seeks home

For many years, 48-year-old Marjorie Chin has been on a quest to find an ideal space to call home for her extended family.

As far back as she can remember, the family, which numbers about 16 persons, has been 'house hopping' between two sites on Hanover Street, in Kingston.

Chin said she has tried different avenues to get assistance but none were successful.

"Them put we up in newspaper, me go back and forth with politician, and them say them a go help but we nuh see nothing. All me sister make report to the member of parliament (MP) and nothing. We just need some help man," she said.

Chin said she and her family were living at 43 Hanover Street, but had to move after the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) bought the section where they were living.

The family was forced to relocate to 60 Hanover Street but had difficulties there.

"The roof never good so it leak and wash we out. So right now me nuh have no furniture, everything mash up because them soak and mash up. All me mother dead up there from pneumonia because the breeze a come in pon her and all of that," she said. She said that the UDC built some one-bedroom houses at 43, and the family got one. But misfortune struck again.

Dilapidated house

"Before we could move in, thief scrap it and take off the door and window them," Chin explained. Because the 'home' at 60 was unsuitable, the family still moved back to 43, in a dilapidated house close to the one the UDC built.

"We have to move back ... and bring piece of the roof because it never really have no top," she said. "A just some second hand zinc we did get but water a run through the wall them too."

She added: "Me just need at least a decent place to stay, or some help to get some zinc and cement to patch up the wall. When the rain fall, me have to put pan on the bed and sit down until it stop." Chin said it has been particularly difficult to provide basic needs as she is currently unemployed.

"Me use to sweep the road for my sister because she did pregnant and she give me a little $6,000. But me a look work for now because me is a janitor but me would take anything right now because the man who use to give a little work dead," she told THE STAR. She said that she also cares for her brother Roy, 57, who is unable to work as he is not well.

"Me use to sell curtain rod and dem ting deh but me cyah work yah now," Roy said. "A just Poor Relief helps me out now and then or me sister give me little food."

Those who are willing to assist my contact Marjorie Chin at (876) 335-6037.