“RIGHT now, I don’t even have a proper roof over my head, basic facilities, or furniture. I don’t have much family to rely on, except for my grandmother who does what she can,” shared Brandon Miller of Paradise Crescent.

Miller was among the beneficiaries at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) grant handover ceremony last Friday, who received support through the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) grant pathway, with individual grants valued between $75,000 and $500,000 to assist with home repairs and recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa last October.

“I want to sincerely thank the ministry, the Government, and Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness for acknowledging my situation and bringing awareness to people like me who need help. I want other Jamaicans to know that there is hope and that assistance is reaching those in need,” continued Miller, who received $500,000 after his home was assessed as being severely damaged.

Grant assistance is determined through verified damage assessments conducted under the SRP, with eligible households able to receive up to $75,000 for minor damage, up to $200,000 for major damage, and up to $500,000 for severe damage.

In Vauxhall, St Elizabeth, Chevanise Myrie received support after her home was assessed as sustaining major damage.

Learning about the initiative from members of her community, Myrie applied at the parish office, representatives of which who later conducted an assessment in December. She received confirmation of her approval in January.

Reflecting on the process, Myrie said the response was timely and reassuring.

“Once the assessment was done, the follow-up came sooner than I expected. Knowing that help was approved gave me some relief and confidence that the repairs could finally begin,” she shared.

The initiative represents a structured, data-driven approach to post-disaster housing recovery, ensuring that assistance is delivered fairly, transparently, and based on verified assessments across all parishes.

Symbolic cheques were presented to multiple beneficiaries during the ceremony.

Beneficiaries receive their grant support through secure disbursement arrangements coordinated by the ministry. Grants approved under the severe damage category ($500,000) are facilitated through the WiPay electronic transfer system, which supports an added level of accountability in the disbursement process. Grants at the minor and major damage levels ($75,000 and $200,000, respectively) are accessed through Sagicor prepaid cash cards, allowing recipients to quickly begin repairs to their homes.

In addressing attendees, Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, emphasised that the grants represent the Government’s commitment to moving families from crisis into structured recovery.

“Families are receiving support based on verified assessments and clear categories of damage. We have also modernised the way assistance is delivered, using secure electronic disbursement so beneficiaries can access their funds quickly and begin repairs without delay.

This process ensures fairness, accountability, and responsible use of public resources as we assist households in restoring safety and stability after Hurricane Melissa,” the minister said.

ROOFS beneficiary Brandon Miller (centre) accepts a grant of $500,000 from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (left), and Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, during the ROOFS grant handover ceremony at the ministry’s St Elizabeth Parish Office in Santa Cruz last Friday. Miller was a recipient under the severe damage category of the Shelter Recovery Programme.