A Briggins woman broke down in tears as she received the keys to her new home under the government’s housing assistance programme for vulnerable residents.

Dawn Simon was formally handed over the house through the Social Protection Board in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, in what officials described as another milestone for the HAPPI programme.

Social Protection Board Operations Manager Mary Baltimore told Simon the handover represented more than a physical structure.

“Simon, I know that you are happy. I know the tears are tears of joy,” Baltimore said. “It’s not only a home. We want you to know it’s not a building, but it’s a home. And we are happy today to actually hand over that building to you.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Sarah Stewart said the initiative continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Antigua and Barbuda.

“The government is really, really, really, really doing something wonderful for the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Stewart said, while also thanking the Social Protection Board and corporate sponsors for their support.

Simon thanked government officials, programme staff and other supporters for helping to make her new home a reality.

“I’d like to thank Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Mrs. Gumbs, also the Honourable State—cutie Benjamin, the Honourable Maria Browne and the staff of HAPPI programme. May God bless you all and y’all keep up the good works,” she said.

King’s Casino donated a 50-inch television to Simon as part of its continued support for HAPPI beneficiaries. Other assistance came from corporate donors, including the West Indies Oil Company.

The handover marks another step in the programme’s effort to improve living conditions for vulnerable residents, one home at a time.