THREE months ago, Pearl Prendergast moved into a new home — a two-bedroom house provided by Food For The Poor-Jamaica.

“When the rain falls, I remember how it was there,” Prendergast is quoted in a release from the charity organisation.

The 52-year-old single mother of three was talking about the old house in which she grew up with her parents and siblings.

She recalled, too, instances when the roof would leak. Also, the house did not have a suitable bathroom and the kitchen was outside.

Having moved into her new two-bedroom house, Prendergast is now very happy.

Although her former home in St Catherine is still standing, it is in a very poor condition and is due for demolition.

“When I pass by it now, I say to myself, ‘Just look at it!’ Then I enter my lovely new house, and I am so happy,” Prendergast said.

The mother of three shares her new home with her 10-year-old daughter. She also has a 28-year-old son and a 26-year-old daughter.

“I also have a grandchild, age six,” a proud Prendergast said.

The St Catherine resident loves the front verandah on her new house and is particularly thankful for an inside kitchen. The house has a bathroom, a dining room and more living space.

Meanwhile, Prendergast said she intends to give back.

“I do a little farming,” she said, explaining that she goes into Kingston every two weeks or so to sell in the markets downtown.

“I have a mind to give something back one day,” she said. “I am so grateful to Food For The Poor for what they have done for me and my family.”

In 2018, Food For The Poor-Jamaica handed over 693 houses, providing much-needed shelter to needy Jamaicans, such as Prendergast and her family, the release said.