The keys to the newly constructed home were officially handed over to Mr Hamm on December 24, 2019, by Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) in the presence of Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles; Sister Islands Coordinator, Sasha D. A. Flax and young entrepreneur, Allington O. Creque aka 'Gumption', who orchestrated the project.

The struggle

Earlier this year, Andy was looking for a gig in order to make a few dollars when he signed up to be part of a team to clean the graveyard in the community. One day, he told his story of homelessness to Creque, who quickly mobilised the community.

"There were 2 to 5 people involved now it’s over 75 people strong,” said Creque who also shared that during the construction of the house he almost gave up.

According to Creque, he suffered a melt-down as the project was taking way too long to get completed to be officially hand over to Mr Hamm. He was high in praise to Sister Islands Coordinator Sasha D. A. Flax who he said stepped in and held him through to the end.

Deep appreciation

On the other hand, two sisters of Mr Hamm—Leona Pinhiero and Gwen DeSuza-Mercer—expressed overwhelming appreciation to Creque, Hon Wheatley and two others who were the key players in the project by presenting them with plaques of gratitude.

“Thank you for taking an interest in our brother, Anderson Hamm when it seemed like the world had forgotten he existed, including his own family.”

They had special words for Mr Creque, saying: “We the sisters of Anderson Hamm would like to say a wholehearted thank you, especially to Mr Gumption for his organisation of the Go-Fund-Me venture. You had the gumption and the audacity to take on a project that would enable our brother to have a stable roof over his head and a home to call his own,” the sisters wrote in a message read by a close family friend, Grace Flax-Walters.

The message further stated, “Thank you for being our brother’s advocate in the face of his adversity. Your enthusiasm and motivation to inspire others to give to such a worthy cause have earned our gratitude and respect.”

More homes coming - Hon Wheatley

“Please accept this letter of appreciation. You as a village have held our brother on your shoulders and given him back his dignity as a man,” the special message concluded.

Hon Wheatley said more homes are in the pipeline for persons still homeless after the Hurricanes of 2017 as Mr Hamm, expressed gratitude for his new home.

According to Hamm, he is a happier man today having received a permanent roof over his head. He said his ultimate wish, however, was for a home built from plywood with two bedrooms, to be able to accommodate a family.