Joy as poor families get houses

Until recently, Odett Masters worried constantly whenever the sky was overcast. The house which she shared with her boyfriend, son and two brothers was not only old and leaking, but it also harboured rodents.

However, thanks to the National Baking Company Foundation (NBC Foundation), in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFP), Masters' living condition has dramatically improved. She was last week presented the key to a two-bedroom house, and, understandably, she is grinning from ear to ear.

"I feel really good, excited, happy. I am very grateful," Masters, 29, told THE STAR after receiving the house at Whitehall, Blackstonedge, in St Ann.

Masters explained to the donors that the living condition at her previous accommodation was terrible.

"When rain fall me have to use one drum or pot to catch water so dat di place nuh flood. Sometime if we shake di house, di board dem drop out," said Masters.

A jubilant Masters said that she no longer fears dark clouds and wet weather, but instead relaxes to the simple and repetitive sound of water.

"When me say well, me mean we well comfortable! Now when rain fall me can stay pon me verandah and look out. Me just happy! I would like to say a big thanks to Food For The Poor and National and may God continue to bless you guys to keep doing the good jobs that you're doing," she said.

Masters' family is among three that last week received the gift of new houses, each valued at US$4,900 (approximately J$752,181), from NBC Foundation in partnership with FFP. The other beneficiaries are Desmond Wollaston of Turnberry, Guys Hill, St Catherine; and Michael Miller of Aenon Town, Clarendon

For Wollaston, a 51-year-old farmer, the gift couldn't have come at a better time, as he is currently ailing.

"I feel well-appreciated, I feel happy, feeling good. The whole family happy, happy and comfortable," Wollaston told THE STAR.

A single room with no bathroom facilities, shared by five, marked his situation previously. His wife, Sheika, said that it was as if Christmas came early.

"It feel good...because of the [pandemic] the Christmas neva so nice but me a tell you we feel the Christmas vibe when we get the new house! We have more space now and bathroom facilities because the other bathroom was outside," Sheika said.

In Clarendon, Miller, a haulage contractor, hailed the work of the donors.

"I really appreciate the efforts of the members of staff, workers and whoever I was in contact with as it pertains to putting this project together," Miller told them. The NBC Foundation, in support of the virtual 'Race for Hunger' fundraising efforts, last year pledged to donate 11 homes to the less fortunate.

"We firmly believe that it is our duty to serve Jamaicans most in need and wish these families all the best as they move into their new homes," said Lauri-Ann Samuels, executive director of NBC Foundation.