This morning, the NGO, Hand in Hand Ministries and Heritage Bank teamed up to hand-over a newly constructed home to a single mother who lives on Gladden Street in Belize City.
It's a part of Hand in Hand's ongoing humanitarian mission to help needy and deserving Belizeans to become first-time homeowners. They've been working with Heritage Bank for the past 4 years. Although this year has been particularly challenging with COVID and natural disasters, the two organizations wanted to continue showing a little kindness to families who definitely need help.
We stopped by this morning in the Lake Independence area, and we spoke with the donors and the very grateful recipient of this new house:
Rashida Bethran - Rep., Hand in Hand Ministries
"It's always a great pleasure to build a home for those of great need. In order for us to reach this phase, a lot - our partners have to go through a series of preparation. We go through the application process first. And then, our committee goes out to assess to make sure that they are really qualified for the services. Once they have met those qualifications, they then have to give back. They have to start building other houses, and they have to participate in our monthly education session. These sessions are very - they are life skills classes that are offered to our clients. And it just helps with self-development, for them to improve themselves, and their families. Once they have cleared that, we give them a contract, and build them a home in order of greatest need."
Steven Duncan - Managing Director, Heritage Bank
"It brings a real blessing to one's heart to see how people reach out and appreciate what is done for them. This now our 4th year partnering with Hand in Hand Ministries. And, we see it as a good program, so we really don't mind supporting it. We have seen the work that they have been doing, and we're comfortable that in fact, it is going to the right areas, and to the right people. So many times, you get concerns about NGOs and some of the things that they do. Is the money going to the right place? But in this case, we feel comfortable with what we see, and we don't mind sticking with it. It also provides that opportunity to have our staff involved in construction. Because of COVID, we didn't come out to be part of the actual construction this year, but we want to get back on track this year because it is more than just giving money. It is giving of your time, to take time to be part of the solution to problems in your country."
Rashida Bethran
"We're in a time of challenge and struggles with this pandemic that is going on. So, those people who are giving their all. They're giving their best, their last to support a family in need."
Arnalle Batty - 1st-Time Homeowner
"I'm very grateful for it. Thanks to Hand in Hand and Heritage Bank. Without them, I don't know where I would be right now, honestly. I've assisted in some buildings already. We have a meeting every month, and honestly, it's a very good program. I would advise anyone to come out and assist when they're doing their building."
