Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities and is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.
One of Rotary International’s Strategic Objectives for 2017/2018 was to ensure that Rotary Clubs embark on initiatives to “Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service”.
The Rotary Club of Kingston is passionate about “Making a Difference” and agreed to partner with Food For The Poor - Jamaica’s largest charity organization, to rekindle the hope of the less fortunate by “Changing Lives ~ Restoring Families” in constructing 4 “Homes for the Homeless”, as the Major Project for 2017/2018.
When you have dedication, consideration for others and a great team behind you, starting from scratch can only become a beautiful challenge. So, here we were, redefining the term housing, first for us, as Rotarians, and with this Project, for less fortunate people. Impacting a family for generations is no easy task. What is astonishing to know is adequate housing impacts every aspect of life including improving health, advancing education, providing a place for employment, reducing crimes against women and children, strengthening faith and community, and much more.
In a reasonable amount of time, Rotary Club managed to transform each of these ruins into a decent modern home, providing also the amenities inclusive of beds, pillows, curtains, towels etc.
We have managed to deliver not one, but four houses over this Presidency, one in Maxfield, one in Rose Town, another one in Santa Cruz St. Elizabeth and the last one for this year in Linstead St. Clarendon.
Home for the Homeless was a heart project, as our goal of helping people to build out of poverty acquired, thanks to this Rotary Project and to all of those who helped us pull it out, a new meaning, the meaning of being home! A better life comes when we, the ones who have, are willing to sacrifice a little to leave a lasting impact on disadvantaged families and children caught in the cycle of poverty. A house that replaces a shack transforms a family’s opportunities. They now have a place to generate an income, educate their children, and feel secure.
