Transitional hostel launched for young men living with HIV

On Tuesday, July 15, members of the Kiwanis Club of North St Andrew (KCNSA), in partnership with the Mustard Seed Communities, gathered for a proverbial groundbreaking on a new transitional hostel at the Matthew 25:40 Home on North Street in Kingston.

The Path-Breaking Ceremony marked the official launch of Phase 3 of the award-winning Matthew 25:40 Initiative, which began in October 2021.

Dr Laine Oakley Williams, senior general manager of customer relationship management at the National Housing Trust (NHT), delivered a heartfelt and motivational address that resonated deeply with the audience, especially the young men of the Matthew 25:40 Home. She urged them not to let the hardships of the past define their future.

“The future is still unwritten. With the pen in your hand, I challenge you to write something bold, brilliant, and unforgettable.”

The National Housing Trust, alongside Royal Computers and Accessories and many other sponsors, has supported the development of the transitional hostel.

The Matthew 25:40 Initiative is an award-winning signature project led by the KCNSA. Phase 3 of the initiative focuses on providing housing support for young men, ages 16 to 25, from the Mustard Seed Communities’ Matthew 25:40 Home. These young men were born with HIV and have been orphaned through the death or abandonment of their parents.

The 1,500 square foot transitional hostel will accommodate 19 residents. Construction began on June 30, made possible by the fundraising efforts of the KCNSA. Since 2000, the Mustard Seed Communities, through its Dare to Care programme, has been committed to providing safe housing, access to education, consistent healthcare and medication, and a range of outreach activities for children and adolescents living with HIV.

Speaking at the Path-Breaking Ceremony, Pam Rodney-White, governor of the Kiwanis Club Eastern Canada and Caribbean District, praised the initiative’s impact.

“This isn’t merely a construction site. It is where dignity is poured into every cornerstone … where each child who walks through this door will remember that they are not forgotten,” she said.

Also in attendance were honourable representatives from the Mustard Seed Communities and members of the Kiwanis family. The atmosphere was one of hope and gratitude as stakeholders celebrated a project that promises not only shelter, but also dignity, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose to these young men.

Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Kiwanis Club for their continued support.

With construction now underway, the hostel is expected to be completed by the end of the year, at which point residents will be welcomed into a space tailored to support their health, education, and emotional well-being.