Hostel ready for orphaned youth living with HIV

The Kiwanis Club of North St Andrew (KCNSA) has completed a transitional hostel for orphaned young men at the Matthew 25:40 Boys’ Home, run by Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston.

Once a termite-ridden block in disrepair, the facility has been rebuilt into a safe, modern space for 19 young men aged 16 to 26. The Matthew 25:40 project, an extension of Mustard Seed’s Dare to Care HIV Programme, supports boys and young men living with or affected by HIV as they move towards independence.

Driven by its commitment to serving the nation’s most vulnerable, the KCNSA identified the need for expanded accommodation and improved facilities for the residents. The vision included seven additional bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a dedicated recreational area, providing not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and a space to grow, the partners said.

Islandwide Participation

To turn this vision into reality, the club launched the Sensational Solar Raffle in 2023, rallying support from members and the wider public across all 14 parishes. Through these efforts, the KCNSA raised more than $25 million, far exceeding their initial fundraising target of $6 million. The raffle offered seven first prizes of a fully installed 7.5KW solar power system from JMI Solar, inspiring generous participation across the island.

The Matthew 25:40 Initiative, launched in October 2021 as a three-phase project and recognised as the KCNSA’s award-winning signature project within the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District, was designed to support the holistic development of the young men at the home. Phase one focused on mentorship, with club members and invited speakers delivering motivational sessions to build confidence and foster personal growth. Phase two introduced skill-training workshops to strengthen their readiness for education, employment, and independent living.

The final phase culminated in the construction of the 1,500-square-foot new living accommodations, responding to the urgent need for safe, expanded housing. Many of the young men faced barriers to education, employment, and independent living, making this support even more critical.

Reverend Archbishop of Kingston, and Chairman of Mustard Seed Communities Kenneth Richards, commended the efforts of the KCNSA, stating, “This act of service by the Kiwanians stands as a counter-cultural confirmation that goodness still thrives, that generosity is still possible, and that together we can create environments where every child, every person, and every resident receives not only care, but love.”

Safe Housing for Vulnerable Youth

Since 2000, Mustard Seed has remained committed to providing safe housing, access to education, continuous healthcare, and structured outreach initiatives for some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable youth.

Dr Laine Oakley Williams, senior general manager at the National Housing Trust, underscored the significance of the achievement, noting that the work done on the grounds of the hostel will have a transformative impact, one that will benefit generations to come.

Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, Founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, expressed deep gratitude to the KCNSA during his keynote address, acknowledging the lasting difference the new accommodations will make in the lives of the young men.

KCNSA President Damion Lawrence also reflected on the five-year journey of the project and the dedication of the signature project committee, extending heartfelt thanks to corporate partners and donors whose support carried the project across the finish line. “This hostel is more than concrete and steel; it is a beacon of hope, a bridge to independence, and a testament to what service, faith, and unity can accomplish,” he said, reminding the young men present that they are seen, valued, and never forgotten.