National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors have until September 30 to apply for the Disaster Relief Grant, being provided to support individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Applications can be submitted in person to the nearest NHT office or online at www.nht.gov.jm.

Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT, Dwayne Berbick, said approximately $300 million has been earmarked for this initiative. He said each household can access up to $300,000.

“The Disaster Relief Grant is primarily focused for our lower-income contributors who, perhaps, may not be in a position to take on our Special Home Improvement Loan, probably because of age or other factors such as [their] not earning anymore or not [having] a steady or stable job,” he told JIS News.

To qualify for this grant, applicants should have property that sustained damage during the hurricane’s passage on July 3.

“The NHT is [also] extending this facility to vulnerable Jamaicans who… may not be current NHT contributors, but who may have existing contributors in their family network that can make the application on their behalf. For example, if an elderly parent’s home has sustained damage and they are not an NHT contributor, their child who is a contributor can apply on their behalf,” he explained.

The grant is available to all eligible contributors including those who previously utilised other NHT facilities such as the Open Market, Scheme, 10 Plus, or Home Improvement loans.

Berbick says the NHT remains dedicated to assisting Jamaicans in the aftermath of natural disasters and is working diligently to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the NHT directly or visit its website for more information on eligibility, application procedures and access to the grant.