Two families are brimming with holiday cheer after receiving keys to their own homes from Minister of Water and Housing Horace Chang on Tuesday.

Devon Miller and George Campbell, both residents of Kintyre, St Andrew, were elated at becoming new homeowners.

The two-bedroom structures were built from funds provided by the Ministry of Water and Housing in collaboration with the charity group, Food For the Poor.

Miller's and Campbell's homes were completely destroyed by Tropical Storm Gustav, which lashed sections of the island in August, and left scores of people displaced.

Campbell's parents, Leonard and Hannah Campbell, perished in flood waters when the Hope River breached its banks, sweeping away their house.

Though his parents are no longer here to celebrate Christmas with him, Campbell, his partner Latanya Davis and their five children are thrilled at having their own home.

Excited

"I am very excited to have somewhere the children can be comfortable," Davis told The Gleaner. The family of seven have been staying with a friend since the storm.

Campbell said he was grateful to the Government and Food For the Poor for banding together to put a roof over his head.

"Mi appreciate it a lot fi know that mi have someweh fi live," he said.

Miller's house, which also collapsed in the wake of the raging Hope River during Gustav's onslaught, was equally happy.

However, Miller told The Gleaner he was unsure when he and his family would be able to occupy the house, because they had not been able to purchase furniture and other essential household supplies.

"Mi would really like fi move in fi de Christmas, cause is family members wi staying with," Miller said.

He is, however, hopeful that Christmas would find his family in their new home.

michelle-ann. letman@gleanerjm.com