Another New House Handed Out by Hand in Hand Ministries
A Southside family of four received a brand new home from the Hand in Hand Ministries this afternoon. The mother of three children was approved for her new home on her second application to the Building for Change Program. The house was funded by the Vincentian Academy and Charity of Nazareth of the U.S.A Andrea Polanco was at today’s handing over ceremony and shares more.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
Today, thirty-two-year-old Sherlene Garnett received the three-hundred-fiftieth house from Hand in Hand Ministries. Garnett, a single mother of three children, happily received the keys for her brand new home on Jane Usher Extension. When she wasn’t approved for a home a few years ago, she didn’t give up hope and tried again and this time it worked to get her out of cramped living quarters that she shared with several relatives.
Sherlene Garnett
Sherlene Garnett, New Homeowner
“The living condition was a little crowded and I decided that I was going to apply. I did apply long before and then I end up applying again. After two weeks, I was granted the house and so I just went and took some of the Saturday service and build a few houses and then I ended up building my own. The building process was a good experience but a little tiring. Right now I am a little tired but after all when you are working on something for yourself it is a good thing. I am feeling much better today. I am happy, excited. The kids are excited too. First I will install the electricity and then move on from there.”
The new house was built and assembled in about three and a half days. Hand in Hand Ministries says this one is a little extra special because it marks another milestone.
Bernard Panton
Bernard Panton, Director of Building for Change Program, Hand in Hand Ministries
“This house is a special for us because every fiftieth house we try to toot our horn, so to speak. So, it is a very special house. Ms Garnett, she has three children and has been persevering in coming to us to get help. So, this house is twenty by sixteen and has two bedrooms. It has space for a bathroom within it. The people who built it are representatives from the United States – Saint Vincent Academy under the leadership of Sister Luke who has been coming to Belize for quite some years now, building with us. As a matter of fact, SCNs led by Sister Luke built about four houses already since the year began. They had a group that came over and then we also have the family members along with other people who have applied for a house building this house.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
