Sun | Jan 4, 2026

VM, Food For The Poor deliver new home to St Bess family

Published:Saturday | December 27, 2025 | 12:06 AM
VM Group Chairman Michael McMorris (centre) cuts the ribbon to officially hand over a new two-bedroom home to Novia Russell (right) and her children (second to fourth right) Javon, Danique and Zaliyah. Also present are (from left) Kivette Silvera, executiv
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VM Group Chairman Michael McMorris (centre) cuts the ribbon to officially hand over a new two-bedroom home to Novia Russell (right) and her children (second to fourth right) Javon, Danique and Zaliyah. Also present are (from left) Kivette Silvera, executive, Food For The Poor; Courtney Campbell, CEO, VM Group; and Natasha Reid, chief of staff, VM Group.

A family in Myersville, St Elizabeth, has received a new two-bedroom home for the holidays, after Hurricane Melissa, through a partnership between VM Group and Food For The Poor.

The home was officially handed over on Tuesday, marking a moment of renewal and hope for Novia Russell, a single mother who cares for her three children, her young niece, and her elderly mother. The family was among those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which exacerbated already difficult living conditions and underscored the urgent need for safe, resilient housing.

Speaking at the handover, Michael McMorris, chairman of VM Group, said the initiative reflects VM’s responsibility to stand with communities during times of crisis.

“As a board, we felt compelled to act, and this home symbolises our commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind during moments of national hardship. This initiative allows us to get up close and personal with our purpose; we see this house as the start of a home, and we know that you and your family will make it a true home, one that becomes the foundation for so much more.”

President and CEO of VM Group, Courtney Campbell further emphasised that the project goes beyond charity and speaks to VM’s mutual roots.

“VM was built on the principle of people helping people. In moments like these, especially following a natural disaster, our role extends beyond financial services. This home represents safety, security, and hope, and it reflects the values that have guided VM for generations.”

Kivette Silvera, executive, Food For The Poor, also expressed gratitude for the partnership.

“At Food For The Poor, we know we can’t do this work on our own, and that’s why partnerships like this one with VM Group matter so much. We also really wanted to get this home finished before Christmas, and, thanks to this partnership, we made it happen,” she said.

For Russell, the home is a turning point for her family.

“This house is a blessing I never imagined. My children now have a safe place and, for that, I am deeply grateful to VM and Food For The Poor and I hope God continues to bless you so you can bless another family like me.”

The initiative forms part of VM Group’s wider response to Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing its commitment to community resilience and long-term development.