The Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation and Food For the Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) joined forces to bring hope and tangible support to the community of Cross Keys in Manchester.
The initiative aims to provide homes and essential items to those facing financial constraints and limited support. Meghan Swaby, a 53-year-old long-time resident of Cross Keys, found herself at the centre of the inspiring project.
Hindered by financial constraints and the challenges of unemployment, Swaby’s dream of a new home seemed distant until the D&G Foundation and FFPJ stepped in to make into reality.
The initiative kicked off on November 15 with the construction of a brand-new house for Swaby, located on the land gifted to her by elderly church members a few months earlier. The collaboration not only included the construction of the house but also the provision of food items and essential home goods.
Swaby, a dedicated domestic helper for nearly three decades, in expressing her gratitude for the support received, said: “My job isn’t the most reliable. Given the nature of it, I might be told I’m not needed this week or the next, so achieving the gift of a home and appliances is a blessing.”
Despite the challenges that she faced in preparing the rocky land for construction, Swaby’s determination and the assistance she received from the community showcased the strength and unity within Cross Keys.
Reflecting on her improved living conditions, the grateful benefactor remains optimistic about the future. “I’m still a little frustrated that I don’t have a proper job, but I’m looking to get a better one. I’ve always wanted to start raising chickens, so I want to save for that, open a tuck shop, or buy and sell small items. I am grateful for the help I’ve gotten so far, and I hope you all continue to be blessed so that you can continue helping others,” she added.
The successful construction of Swaby’s new home marks the first step in the project, with the team gearing up to extend their efforts to provide support for the four remaining recipients.
Dianne Ashton-Smith, director of D&G Foundation, in expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, said: “We are extremely grateful to be in a position where we can give to those in need, further enriching the foundation’s Growing With Communities Programme. It brought us great joy that the FFPJ team has allowed us an opportunity to make an impact in such a substantial way. We’re happy we could all work alongside colleagues on the project from start to completion, and we look forward to doing this again.”
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