Just days ago, a Caymanian mother of five feared her family would be sleeping in tents on the beach. But this week she was able to surprise her children with the keys to a new apartment after Compass readers stepped up to help.
The family had been sleeping in cars, borrowing money for hotel rooms and relying on charity for temporary shelter after being turned down for government housing support.
Following publication of their story this week, kind-hearted community members contacted non-profit Acts of Random Kindness to offer help.
Tara Nielsen, the charity’s director, said the response had been remarkable. Two members of the community who read the article came forward to help, one offering an affordable apartment and another contributing financial support. Thanks to their generosity, and with ARK’s help covering the initial costs, the family now has a place to stay and the chance to get back on their feet.
The mother said they have now moved into “a really nice, affordable two-bedroom apartment” thanks to donations and support. She said she is deeply grateful to the community members who came forward to help, describing their response as “life-changing.”
“So many people gave to us when they didn’t have to,” she said. “If it wasn’t for them and for this story being told, me and my kids would still be homeless.”
Speaking to the Compass on Wednesday, she said she was preparing to move into the new apartment and surprise her children, ages 9 to 15, who had no idea they finally had a home.
“We’re moving in tonight. The kids don’t know yet. We wanted it to be a big surprise. There’s a pool, there’s a balcony … I can’t wait to see their faces.”
Now she wants to help pay it forward by using some of the donations to help other families.
Nielsen said it had been deeply moving to witness the family’s relief and gratitude.
“It was so encouraging to experience that kind of kindness,” she said. “It reminds us why we do this work.”
And she added that there was enough support from donors to help other families as well.
“If these donors hadn’t stepped in, this family would have been homeless today,” Nielsen acknowledged.
Underlying issues persist
While the family’s immediate crisis has been resolved, the underlying issues that put them at risk of homelessness persist.
Tamara Hurlston, director of the Department of Financial Assistance, acknowledged that there are currently no dedicated mechanisms within government to swiftly respond to families facing homelessness or imminent eviction.
“At present, there are no specific swift-response mechanisms within the department or elsewhere in government for urgent housing needs,” she said.
“However, the government is actively developing a comprehensive housing strategy, which will include social housing initiatives aimed at addressing the broader housing crisis affecting our community.”
Hurlston said rising rent costs have pushed more families into precarious situations.
“The rising rent costs are a global concern and are reflected in increased reports of homelessness here,” she said.
“We have observed similar trends, which are further intensified by population growth and market dynamics favouring tenants who can pay directly and are viewed as more stable.”
She said the government is “committed to finding sustainable solutions” as part of its forthcoming housing strategy.
Hurlston said the department continues to face challenges finding landlords willing to rent to Department of Financial Assistance clients or large families.
“The issue of landlords hesitating to rent to DFA clients or large families remains a challenge,” she said.
“As part of the housing strategy, the government is exploring measures such as incentivising landlords and public awareness campaigns to promote equitable treatment. Collaboration with the private sector and legal frameworks to prevent discrimination will also be prioritised.”
Nielsen said she is grateful for the Compass readers’ generosity in this case, but it is unsustainable to rely on community kindness to fill the gaps in Cayman’s social safety net.
“Without a coordinated response, there will always be families falling through the cracks,” she said. “We can’t depend on chance and goodwill alone to stop people from ending up on the street.”
ARK is working with donors to create new ‘bridge’ housing for those in temporary need. To support the charity, contact it via its website.
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It’s magnanimous that folks reached out to the homeless family. However, my feeling is that this is a band-aid. It doesn’t instill a sense of responsibility, determination, and motivation to improve their lifestyle. Let this be a lesson to Cayman, and it’s citizens. Workfare, not welfare.
I agree with Louise. This is a Canada style fix of handouts and socialism. I don’t want anyone to struggle but you have to work and not have 5 kids
If you want to support me, cash app “EntitledCaymanian” – this is a joke.
I have that sticker on my four vehicles that I use to clog up the roads.
Why don’t we get off the soapbox and check in with this family in 6 months. Maybe they only needed a temporary hand-up and will be fine once she finishes her training program and starts working.
The system isn’t ideal and there is some element of family breakdown at play here. But the joyful part is the community joining together to support this family in order to give them and their children a better chance.