‘No human is supposed to live like this’ - Single mother of six seeks new home

Nicola Williams, a mother of six, of Bloomwell District in northern Clarendon, got emotional as she talked about her living conditions.

Living in a rundown shack with four of her children, whose ages are 16, 14, nine and two, she makes do with the cramped dirt-floor space they share. A sheet of tarpaulin that captures the rainwater hangs from the ceiling. It is not the ideal accommodation she had in mind, but she is just trying to deal with the hand she has been dealt.

Williams, 35, who was living with the father of her three oldest children, said that, after he was killed, she was pushed out of that dwelling and sought refuge in her current home. Three children later and her life is in a bad state. With no solid education, she can only do domestic work and odd jobs.

"I want mi children fi come out good. A don't have anyting to give them," she said, adding that only the father of her youngest child assists her occasionally. She tries to eke out a living as she balances sending her children to school and putting food on the table.

Pauline Givans, who is the principal of an early childhood institution and a justice of the peace, said that she had to highlight Williams' plight after seeing her it.

"No human is supposed to be living in the condition that she is," she shared. Givans said that she first met Williams in 2018 when she took her child to be registered to attend school. It was at that time that Williams complained about her living conditions and told Givans that she wanted a house and was enquiring about getting help from Food For The Poor.

After months of constant pleading from Williams, Givans said that she eventually visited the house herself to get a first-hand view.

"I said, no I have to try and do something. She needs many things, including furniture," Givans shared. However, she said that most of all, Williams needs someone to care for her and show her love.

Pointing out that Williams already built a chicken coop, she said that she knows if she gets the help she can do something to help herself and her family. The children do not attend school consistently, as their mother doesn't always have the means. Williams said that she just wants a chance to properly take care of her children and to have a better house to live in.