Habitat launches housing pilot with Beharry Group

Cognisant of the relation between home ownership and an improved standard of living, Habitat for Humanity and the

Edward B Beharry and Company Limited have teamed up to ensure that several Guyanese, who would not otherwise be able to afford a home, realise this crucial dream.

Beharry Chairman Anand Beharry disclosed that his company will provide in excess of Gy$ 14 million to the housing pilot which is expected to last an initial 12 months.

Speaking at a media conference to announce the launch, Beharry described the initiative as an “amazing cause” and called on all Guyanese to join in.

“All you have to do is have Champion Chowmein for lunch or Indi Curry for dinner and top it off with an after-dinner mint from our Chico line of products and you will be helping to build a home for those who are less fortunate. It’s as simple as having a meal with your family,” Beharry said.

He stated that Guyanese can perform small tasks that can translate into a huge difference in the lives of others and must begin looking “within” for the assistance they need.

“Let us work together to build homes for those who cannot afford to do so. We would not only be providing four walls and a roof, we would be giving families a future. A child would have a safe environment to grow and learn and become a productive member of our country; a mother and father would have space to relax after a hard day at work; a family would have a home to pass on to generations to come,” Beharry added.

Beharry remarked that the company has a long history of dispensing its corporate responsibility through support to sport, countrywide feeding programmes, medical outreaches, education and many other ventures.

Poverty cycle

Beharry said the company is examining ways of sustaining the initiative and definitely the project is expected to run way beyond the Gy$ 14 million mark. The monies will be paid over to Habitat on a quarterly basis.

Habitat’s Country Director Rawle Small said his anticipation is that the initiative will serve as a catalyst to break the cycle of poverty, increase the standard of living and ultimately become a household name.

Small was elated at the collaboration with a locally-bred company whose motto entails tradition and excellence.

He added that this motto has since become more than just two words and is now the driving force behind the company’s growth and passion for using its resources and business model to invest in Guyana.

Partnership

“This partnership seeks to support the development of Guyanese families; one house at a time… and also marks the largest local project collaboration Habitat has undertaken since its doors opened in 1995,” the director related.

He stressed that the project is an opportunity for Guyanese from all walks of life, whether home or abroad to derive great benefit from buying locally manufactured goods and encouraged citizens to purchase the Beharry line of products.

With the active participation of almost every citizen, Habitat is expected to build 10-15 homes across the regions of the country.

He said that the support of the public would also provide financial literacy, training and a maintenance plan to the beneficiaries. Although qualifying families have not yet been selected, persons living under extremely vulnerable circumstances will be given preference for this particular project.

Happy ending

“Each family has a story and every story has a beginning, a mid-point and an ending. We want the stories of each family supported by Habitat and Edward B Beharry and consumers to have a happy ending. We want each beneficiary, when they are reflecting on the course of their lives, to pause and smile when they remember the moment they were handed the keys to their own homes. They must be pleased to know that two organisations and their country folk delivered a life-changing moment and were there for them when it mattered most,” Small said.

He noted that the several homes will be constructed simultaneously and is expected to be completed in 52 days.

According to Small, the hope is to continue the project with the intention of having it serve as a model for emulation by other entities.