The Housing Assistance for the Poor and Indigent programme is preparing to hand over its largest project to date: a residential facility that can accommodate about 30 people.

Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner announced the development during an interview on State Media Tuesday morning.

Turner described HAPI as one of the most life-changing social programmes ever introduced in Antigua and Barbuda.

“I’ve seen situations where people are living in conditions that no one, no matter where you’re from, should be living in,” he said.

According to Turner, the programme has repaired existing houses and constructed new homes for vulnerable residents living in unsafe or unsuitable conditions.

He said homes in New Winthorpes and Swetes are among the properties expected to be handed over shortly.

The programme’s largest project, located in Ffryes, comprises two connected residential structures and is expected to accommodate 30 individuals.

“It is a massive structure we’ve built out—basically two homes joined in one,” Turner explained.

He praised the HAPI team and the Social Protection Board for their work, describing the ministry’s employees as “unsung heroes” who carry out significant responsibilities with little public recognition.

“They’re out there daily, and I want to publicly thank them for the work that they’re doing,” Turner said.

The Government also expects to receive another shipment of building materials to support people who can undertake construction with assistance from relatives or members of their communities.

Turner said the materials distribution programme allows the Government to assist more households while HAPI continues constructing and repairing homes.

“What we realised with the HAPI programme is that we’re not able to build homes fast enough,” he said.

“If we’re able to provide the materials to some homeowners who can help themselves and get members of the community or family members to come in and help them, then that will be able to give them a boost quicker to get out of the situations they’re in.”