the project

During 2011, it was our goal to assist a homeless family of seven, all living in one room in a relative’s home in the district of Hermitage in St Ann, Jamaica. The more we thought about the challenge this presents to such a small charity like ours, the more daunting the task became. However, knowing that prayer changes things, and realising that you do not only donate funds, but most of you are praying people, co labourers in the hand of God, we kept this project in focus. To be truthful, we were burdened by the plight of this family. Another thought around this need was the ever present reality of insufficient funds in hand to accomplish the task.

In faith we went forward, our hearts in our mouths even as we took the vote on our committee to go forward. We are delighted to inform you that the family are blessed with a beautiful three bedroom basic home; this is HHMAP’s fifth home provided for families in Jamaica. They find it difficult to know how to express their gratitude. And so, on their behalf we say ‘thank you.’ Most of all, thanks to our Heavenly Father.

When HHMAP first decided to assist the poor in Jamaica, it was with the view of providing funds to raise chickens to help lift them out of poverty. No Welfare system in Jamaica, therefore the poor face the daily challenge to find not only food but school books, uniforms, school meals and bus fares.

We met another family who had issues with rent arrears, hence the threat of eviction hung over them and their three children. Omar had lost his job due to an accident he sustained on the job. Compensation was due to him and the insurance company was giving him the run around. He had to use a lawyer to investigate, he then discovered that his lawyer was more sympathetic to the insurance company than to his family.

When we met Omar and Nicola, it had been over a year since they had been battling for compensation and the rent arrears was getting to be 100,000 Jamaica dollars. No food in the house, the children could not attend school, the landlord had cut off the electricity and water supply. They were in crisis! Helping Hand Africa Mission was able to step in and assist with the rent, food, medication for Omar and getting the children back to school.

As you know, HHMAP started supplying goats to villagers in 2008. In 2011/12 we voted to supply goats to a community in Eldoret a place where much conflict took place during the last election. The community decided to purchase sheep instead.