Temporary Housing Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Temporary Housing Programme begin?

In early 2005 the Cayman Islands government received 84 FEMA trailers to serve as temporary homes for persons who lost their accomodation in Hurricane Ivan. Special district committees, made up of officials from various government agencies, recommended persons to take part in the programme. Trailers were located on various public and private sites around Grand Cayman, and residents signed an agreement to pay between $500-700 in rent based on the size and location of their trailer, to cover the cost of upkeep, utilities, etc.

What is the present occupancy rate?

Although at first all of the trailers were quickly occupied, presently there’s an occupancy rate of around 50%.

Who works in the unit?

Temporary Homes Manager Catherine Tyson is a qualified social worker with a master’s of social work degree and her background involves extensive work with vulnerable and indigent populations. Her team includes an accounts officer, the collection and complaints officer, maintenance officers and administrative staff.

Why are people still living in the trailers?

Since the programme was created to provide shelter for persons who would otherwise be homeless, as long as this need exists the service will continue. At this point, the unit’s objective is to place all residents in permanent homes.

What other services does the unit provide to residents?

Staff help residents cope with various needs as they are made aware of these. In particular they focus on developing clients’ professionally, financially and socially, to the point where they can secure and maintain a permanent home. Thus adult residents are able to request support in resume writing and job hunting. The unit also writes letters of support to banks and government departments in support of loan applications, planning applications and other stages of the house-building and home-owning process. A counseling service is also available. Children receive after school support from THP staff, and one volunteer. These persons spend up to three hours a day with the children, working on a rotating basis. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage children to do their homework. In addition to the after-school programme, the unit provides supervision for children during school breaks, and coordinate field trips to various cultural and historical sites including a recent trip to New York.

What happens to the homes in the event of a hurricane?

The trailers were originally strapped down by the Public Works Department. This system continues to be in place. During storm threats a priority is made of getting the residents to safety, whether this is in shelters or with family; transportation is provided where need be.

Describe how recent the European Union grant is being administered?

Manager Catherine Tyson also heads the National Hurricane Recovery Committee which is supervising the process of making recommendations for assistance. Applications are put forward to this body for consideration by district committees working on a points based system that considers: age, family, disability, accommodation status, income and other criteria. The national committee then submits its recommendation to the National Recovery Fund Board of Directors which will undertake the process of providing permanent homes for these persons and improving the hurricane-readiness of other residences damaged by the storm that have not since been repaired.

Members of the National Hurricane Recovery Committee include: Darrell Rankine from East End, Jason Azan from North Side, Bob Watler from Bodden Town, Sharon Ebanks from George Town and Rhonda Conolly from West Bay. Persons interested in applying for funding should contact the THP at 947-2861.

Last Updated: 2008-11-14