Barbara Gilbert doesn’t own a home… but she’s given 14 destitute families in Jamaica a new Food For The Poor home of their own. Gilbert, a single mom, is a waitress who works three jobs; she’s also a part-time college student. The recently completed community has been named Barbara’s Village.
At an opening ceremony in Jamaica, Gilbert said: “My name is Barbara and you are all my family. Your burdens are my burdens and you give me so much more than I could ever be able to give you. I don’t own a house… and I probably never will because my money’s going to go to keep building houses in Jamaica for the rest of my life.”
One of the recipients responded: “Your gift of love is not being taken for granted. Thank you.”
While listening to a radio program three years ago, Gilbert learned about the housing crisis in Jamaica. Despite her own financial concerns, she was moved with compassion and pledged to buy a family a home in a year’s time.
After going on a Food For The Poor pilgrimage, she dedicated herself to helping the poor of Jamaica and vowed to give a family a house each year for the rest of her life.
Barbara shared her dream with her children, friends and customers. She placed a collection box next to the cash register where she worked. Word of her ambitious goal soon spread after she was featured in a newspaper and on local television.
Her passion and dedication for helping the poorest of the poor inspired others. One man gave her a $1,000
check as a tip. A woman gave her $2,000.
Gilbert, an individual with incredible faith and determination has made a tremendous impact for those in need in Jamaica. And she has no plans of stopping. She will continue to devote herself to helping those who are less fortunate.
Press Coverage of Barbara Gilbert
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090711T230000-0500_155198_OBS_HOW_ONE_WOMAN_CREATED_AN_ENTIRE_VILLAGE__.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/html/20090713T200000-0500_155338_OBS_MS_BARBARA_GILBERT_S_FINE_EXAMPLE.asp
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-04-30/story/ex-atlantic_beach_waitress_to_be_on_good_morning_america
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/062506/met_dream.shtml
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/062406/nes_22179911.shtml
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