TEN Region Two families, on Tuesday, collected the keys to brand new homes from Food for the Poor (FFTP) and are anticipating a more comfortable life.
Six of houses were constructed in Queenstown and the remaining four in the Onderneeming Sandpit area by Faldhari Singh and Son Construction Service. The project was fully funded by FFTP. The two-bedroom, 20 feet by 16 feet wooden structures are outfitted with indoor sanitary facilities and rain harvesting components. Each home is semi-furnished with two beds, a table top gas stove, and a small dining table with four chairs. Six of the families who will not have any access to electricity from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) received solar panel kits which will power light bulbs. FFTP’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kent Vincent and Senior Project Manager, Andrea Benjamin, along with Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva and representative of the Queenstown Development Association, Fitzroy Frederick, joined the families at a simple ceremony at the Queenstown Community Development Centre.

Vincent, in brief remarks, said the non-profit organisation, in observance of its 30th anniversary, will be handing over 30 houses. He said the priority of FFTP is to provide security for families, especially those with children, to ensure that they grow in a comfortable environment. According to the CEO, FFTP aims to improve the lives of children by ensuring that they are provided with proper housing. He said FFTP looks forward to partnering with the Region Two administration to improve the lives of more families. So far, the organisation has constructed 700 houses for persons living in Region Two. FFTP aims to construct 240 homes this year for vulnerable families. Later, Benjamin underscored the importance and impact of access to adequate housing.

She emphasised that better housing conditions contribute to family stability, enhanced health status and improved confidence, economic security and community development.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, expressed appreciation for the housing support that is being provided by Food for the Poor. She noted that the Government of Guyana is supportive of humanitarian efforts and housing projects.
According to De Silva, she is particularly passionate about serving the less fortunate as she herself came from humble beginnings. She urged the families to focus on the continued transformation of their lives and to “mix with the right set of people”. She also used the opportunity to pledge the region’s support towards working with FFTP to enhance the livelihood of the less fortunate in Region Two.

One of the beneficiaries, Kenisha Walcott, expressed her gratitude to FFTP for providing her with a better life. She stated that since the age of 14, she has been living with relatives, moving from one family to another. She said as an adult with a daughter, she wanted a home of her own so that her child will not have to experience the things she did. Walcott said the construction of the house was an answer to her prayers.
Also expressing gratitude was Frederick, who said he was happy for the 10 families who have benefitted. He later thanked FFTP for the fruitful venture.