Single mom longs for roof over her head

What was supposed to be a temporary solution for Yvonne Thompson has resulted in an eight-month stay for the single mother and three of her children.

Thompson and her children reside at Ragsville district in Guys Hill, St Catherine, with her mother and stepfather in a one-room board structure.

"This is where I have been staying with my children since February," Thompson said. "When I came here in February is one night I asked for, but it's several months now and nothing happening, so that is why I am crying out for help."

She said that she worked in the tourism industry and lived in the neighbouring parish of St Mary, but was laid off from work. This resulted in her trek to Guys Hill, where she resided on a piece of land for which she said she was paying taxes. But things took a downward turn when the alleged owners of the land told her she could not stay there.

"I was told dat mi a try to capture the land and I had to leave and seek refuge here. I was even given a piece of land, so any help I get I have land to build the house," Thompson said. The 45-year-old woman said that she has submitted the required documents to donor agency Food For The Poor (FFTP) to get a house, but said she was told that there is a process. However, Thompson believes that her situation is urgent hence why she is asking the public's help to purchase material to help build her own place.

"The children are getting bigger and although I am not being driven out, I really think that the time has come to make life better for my children," Thompson said. "I am not getting any help from the children father, so I have to be trying on my own to do whatever I can. I only work now as a cleaner at my church, not getting much, but trying to make ends meet."

Thompson's plan is to build on the land on which they currently reside, as there is ample space. Thompson showed the news team items of clothing and furniture wrapped in plastic and stored inside a room beside a chicken coop. She revealed that the items were discarded because they were bitten by mites and ants, after they had been exposed to the elements.

In addition to her housing issue, she pointed out that her children, who attend the Guys Hill Primary School, need tablets for their daily classes.

"I just need a proper roof ... but I would still love for them (the children) to stop sharing the one phone. Education is the key, so going online is very important," she said.

Those who wish to assist Yvonne Thompson may contact her at 876-806-4887.