KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sixty families will have the comfort of new two-bedroom houses from Food for the Poor (FFP) Jamaica later this year, thanks to the J$53 million donated by individuals, companies and others during the charity organisation’s second annual 5K Run/Walk held on May 7.

Andrew Mahfood, CEO of FFP Jamaica, said these families will benefit in a phase basis in upcoming months.

“Hundreds of poverty-stricken families are currently on our waiting list for houses,” Mahfood said in a recent interview, “They are in dire need, many of whom are single mothers with their children, who are suffering bitterly without a proper housing structure with necessary facilities that are in accordance with good standards of living.”

Approximately $46.5 million was raised from the first 5K Run/Walk in May last year with over 50 houses built.

“Food for the Poor Jamaica is extremely grateful for the support received both in 2015 and 2016 during the 5K Run/Walk. No charity can survive without the support system of their nation. We are happy that individuals, the private and public sectors, groups from all 14 parishes across, members of our Diaspora and people living outside of Jamaica, decided to support us through contributions, pledges and donations through the Internet,” Mahfood said.

The funds raised were matched equally by Food for the Poor Florida.

In 2015, approximately 842 houses were constructed by FFP Jamaica. While other houses were constructed by other Food For The Poor organisations in Latin America and Caribbean countries including Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras, St Vincent, Guyana, Haiti, Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua.