Clarendon, Jamaica (April 17, 2019) – “I can sleep comfortably now, and I don’t have to worry about the rain falling,” said Ms. Cassandra Francis, who moved into her new two-bedroom home donated by Food For The Poor-Jamaica through its generous donors.
“I love everything about it,” she said.
It has not been easy for the Clarendon mother and her three children. Life in her old, dilapidated house was especially challenging for the family.
“We used to live in an old-time cob house, the walls started falling apart and the roof leaked – a lot,” she said.
In an effort to keep everything dry when it rained, Ms. Francis explained how she had to put the beds up to protect their mattresses. She expressed concern about her family’s security and privacy in their ramshackle house, and that she had no proper bathroom or kitchen.
Now, her life and the lives of her three children have changed for the better. Her 18-year-old son is seeking employment, and her 8-year-old daughter attends primary school in Frankfield. Francis also has a younger daughter, not yet 3.
“The kids are so happy now, and I especially enjoy the bathroom!” she exclaimed.
Ms. Francis feels she can plan for the future in her new home. While she currently does some subsistence farming, such as growing callaloo, tomatoes and other crops, she’s looking at other ways to boost her family’s income.
“I would like to take care of my family better, I would like to keep chickens,” she said.
But one important part of her dream already has come true.
“It has always been my dream to own my own home,” said Ms. Francis. “Words can’t explain how I feel. I’m feeling so thankful and grateful to Food For The Poor.”
Since inception, Food For The Poor has built more than 35,000 homes in Jamaica.
LOOKING BACK: The old house Ms. Cassandra Francis shared with her three children was in terrible condition. The roof leaked when it rained and the walls started falling apart. Thanks to its kind donors, Food For The Poor-Jamaica provided Francis and her family with a safe, new home.
BEFORE: An outside view of Ms. Cassandra Francis’ previous home in Clarendon. There was no proper kitchen, so the meals had to be prepared outside.
SAFE, NEW HOME: Ms. Cassandra Francis is happy to have a safe home for her family. Joining her for a photo are her 18-year-old son (right), 8-year-old daughter (front) and her 2-year-old daughter. Ms Francis’ new home was donated by Food For The Poor-Jamaica, through its kind and caring donors.
Jamaica Highlights 