A Briggins woman was moved to tears as she received the keys to her new home under the government's housing assistance initiative for vulnerable residents.
Dawn Simon was formally presented with the property through the Social Protection Board, under the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, in what officials described as another milestone for the HAPPI programme.
Social Protection Board Operations Manager Mary Baltimore told Simon the handover represented far more than bricks and mortar.
"Simon, I know that you are happy. I know the tears are tears of joy," Baltimore said. "It's not only a home. We want you to know it's not a building, but it's a home. And we are happy today to actually hand over that building to you."
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Sarah Stewart said the initiative continues to make a meaningful difference across Antigua and Barbuda. She also took the opportunity to thank the Social Protection Board and corporate sponsors for their ongoing support.
Simon expressed heartfelt gratitude to government officials, programme staff and donors who helped make her new home a reality.
"I'd like to thank Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Mrs. Gumbs, the Honourable Maria Browne and the staff of the HAPPI programme. May God bless you all and keep up the good works," she said.
King's Casino donated a 50-inch television to Simon as part of its continued support for HAPPI beneficiaries. The West Indies Oil Company was among other corporate donors who contributed assistance.
The handover marks another step in the programme's ongoing effort to improve living conditions for vulnerable residents, one home at a time.
