ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — After witnessing Hurricane Melissa destroy her home, leaving her family homeless for weeks, single mother Novia Russell received a fresh start days before Christmas as she was handed a new two-bedroom house for her family.

The house was constructed through a partnership between the Board of Directors of VM Group and Food For the Poor.

“This house is a blessing I never imagined. My children now have a safe place, and for that I am deeply grateful to VM and Food for the Poor, and I hope God continues to bless you so you can bless another family like me,” said Russell at the handover ceremony of the house on December 23.

Russel, who is from Myersville, St Elizabeth, was left homeless after the Category 5 storm delivered a punishing blow to the south-western end of Jamaica on October 28.

The mother of three, who is also the guardian of a young niece and her elderly mother, shared that prior to the storm, her house was not in the best condition and noted that the new house will provide a safe space for her to care for her family.

Delivering his address at the handover ceremony, Michael McMorris, chairman of VM Group, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to stand with communities during times of crisis.

“As a board, we felt compelled to act, and this home symbolises our commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind during moments of national hardship. This initiative allows us to get up close and personal with our purpose. We see this house as the start of a home, and we know that you and your family will make it a true home, one that becomes the foundation for so much more,” said McMorris.

His sentiment was echoed by VM Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Courtney Campbell, who emphasised that the project goes beyond charity.

“VM was built on the principle of people helping people. In moments like these, especially following a natural disaster, our role extends beyond financial services. This home represents safety, security and hope, and it reflects the values that have guided VM for generations,” Campbell said.

In the meantime, Kivette Silvera, executive director of Food for the Poor, expressed gratitude for the partnership.

“At Food for the Poor, we know we can’t do this work on our own, and that’s why partnerships like this one with VM Group matter so much. We also really wanted to get this home finished before Christmas, and thanks to this partnership, we made it happen,” said Silvera.