Hand in Hand Delivers a New Home for Tyrah Rodriguez

This afternoon in Lord’s Bank Village, a mother of three was thrilled to receive the key to a brand new home that she can finally call her own.  The donation of a wooden house to Tyrah Rodriguez was made possible through the efforts of Hand in Hand Ministries and Bowen & Bowen.  Our final story tonight is a heartwarming look at the much needed assistance given to the struggling single mother.  Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Home number four hundred and ninety-four, it’s six houses short of a major milestone expected to be met by the end of this year.  With twenty-one years of service in building and donating homes to families in need, Hand in Hand Ministries drew one step closer to achieving that goal today.  The proud recipient, a single mother of three, accepted the key to a place she now call her own.

Tyrah Rodriguez

Tyrah Rodriguez, Recipient

“To be honest, I’m just excited.  Thanks to the people of Hand in Hand for this opportunity, it really means a lot for me and my kids.”

Since 2002, Hand in Hand began its work in Belize when the faith-based organization expanded its mission in the Caribbean.  Through Building for Change, volunteers have worked side-by-side with members of the business community making a significant difference in the lives of Belizean families.

Rashida Bethran

Rashida Bethran, Director, Building for Change

“Four hundred and ninety-four means a lot our organization because that’s four hundred and ninety-four families who have been living in marginalized situations who were able to get some sort of security and comfort for them and their families to improve themselves and improve their lives.”

It’s a stepping stone for Rodriguez who intends to make the best of this humble abode for herself and her family.  She’s also committed to assisting others in need.

Tyrah Rodriguez

“What I did was just to attend the sessions that they do have, you know, to get into the program and I go out and I help other families as well and I was just waiting until it’s my turn.”

…and her turn came as a result of a partnership with Bowen & Bowen.  Together with a contractor, employees from the beverage company volunteered their time and worked diligently to erect this elevated wooden structure on an empty lot in Lord’s Bank Village. Rosanna Villanueva leads B&B’s Corporate Citizens Committee.

Rosanna Villanueva

Rosanna Villanueva, Corporate Relations Manager, B&B

“Our mission statement is pursuing excellence for a stronger Belize, and we believe that one of the ways we can do that is by helping families in need whenever and wherever we can.  We were also looking for a project for our Corporate Citizens Committee, so this is a group of our employees who volunteer their time to do community projects across the country.  So when we made contact with Hand In Hand and we mentioned that we were interested in building a home for someone, they were very helpful in helping us to identify Tyrah and her beautiful family.  And when we went out to our team asking for volunteers, Saturday and Sunday, we were quick to get volunteers.”

Together, they delivered this sixteen-by-twenty structure, a labor of love and a positive expression of corporate citizenship.

Tyrah Rodriguez

“I believe this is amazing and exciting for everyone who has never owned a home before so, yes.”

Isani Cayetano

“What does it mean for your kids?  I mean, your kids have a place to call their own now.”

Tyrah Rodriguez

“They are right here, I think they are as excited as me.  My daughter, she already wants her own key.  Yes, they are excited as well.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.