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In response to paraplegic Stacy Ann Parris’ plight for help in finding a home, the Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, visited Parris at her Woodbrook home on Monday, promising to assist in upgrading her living conditions.
Parris’ story of living under inhumane conditions and unemployment was highlighted in the Sunday Guardian.
The 39-year-old who lives alone in a dilapidated shack at the corner of Roberts and Gatacre Streets, in Woodbrook, had complained of HDC’s failure to respond to her several complaints over the years even though she sent photographs of the home attached to her letters.
Parris said all she got was a promise she would be placed on an ‘emergency’ list which was almost five years ago.
In a release, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, said Crichlow-Cockburn visited Parris’ home after she read the article and committed to following up on Parris’ HDC application.
The release said in the interim, the Minister outlined the other support services available from the Ministry for which Parris may be eligible.
Parris receives a monthly disability grant of $1,800 as well as a food grant of $410 from the Ministry’s public assistance programme but has recently experienced some challenges with the latter.
The release said, “The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services remains committed to its responsibility of addressing the social challenges of poverty, social inequality and social exclusion.”
It added, “The Ministry’s key strategic objectives include promoting public awareness and providing advocacy and support for persons with disabilities, toward their increased participation and realisation of their full potential.”
In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Parris described the Minister’s response as a blessing and said she felt a bit honoured and shocked at the same time that Crichlow-Cockburn would take the time to personally respond to her plight.
“Not many people get that kind of response. She was just so gracious and so nice. I have seen pictures of her before but to actually have her stand in my house was just so amazing. I am just thanking God for all the people who have come forward to help,” Parris said.
Parris told Guardian Media since her story had been published, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of love, concern and support from the general public.
Some of the donations to Parris came in the form of money, groceries and cleaning supplies. She said the money donated was enough to cover the $800 owed in rent, with some remaining.