Christmas

In its continued efforts to improve the living conditions of low income families, especially those in marginalized groups, Habitat for Humanity Guyana has provided the opportunity for another family to celebrate Christmas in their own home. Amanda Anthony, a woman born with a disability, and her family moved in to their $2.5 million two-bedroom home last weekend. This home was made possible through partnership with Scotiabank Guyana under the Scotiabank/Habitat ‘Build a Home’ promotion. Scotiabank donated to Habitat Guyana a percentage of the value of Scotia Plan Loans, Auto Loans and Mortgages applied for and disbursed between March 1, 2013 and October 31, 2013.

The Anthony family and well-wishers at the new home.

Anthony, a 52-year-old mother of two, was born with no legs below the knees. Originally from the interior region she moved to Georgetown with her husband and children about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, tragedy struck this family. Her husband died of malaria. Amanda was left with two children to support and no source of income. Having been born with her disability Amanda adjusted to life without her lower legs. While it did not hinder her capacity to function she was unable to garner employment, which resulted in her not affording to send her children to school and them not completing primary school. As a result, her 22-year-old son became the sole breadwinner, working for a minimal salary that was not sufficient to cater to the family’s daily needs and pay a mortgage. When Amanda approached Habitat Guyana for support to construct her home there was no hesitation that she would become the first recipient of the promotion. In addition to Scotiabank, Habitat Guyana received support for other areas of the home such as furnishing and the provision of food items from Courts, Ansa McAl, the Braam family, the Guyana Relief Council, which provides a monthly food hamper, and private donors. The organization has also received support from the Office of the President for future assistance. Beginning its work since 1994 following an invitation from then President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Habitat for Humanity Guyana was officially registered in Guyana in 1995. Since then the organization has supported over 3000 families within the country’s ten administrative regions, through partnership with affiliates, home partners, volunteers, and sponsors to build simple, decent and affordable housing for low income earners. Also, the organization has undertaken home repairs, rehabilitation works, and assisted in accessing secure tenure. With a new program direction added focus will be placed on community development, disaster risk reduction and social action and awareness. Via resource centers the organization seeks to make a stronger impact on communities through training, mobilization, and planning of various community driven projects.