Ernest McKenzie sits among the remains of his house in Eleven Miles, Bull Bay, St. Andrew, which caved in on him, in April. - Ricardo Makyn

It has been almost a month and Ernest McKenzie has not yet received enough assistance to rebuild his house which collapsed on him in April.

McKenzie said he received two contributions of $5000 each from some one on Trafalgar Road and another person abroad, however this is not enough to purchase 100 blocks which he says he needs to build the foundation. "Mi get nuff promises but nothing nuh come yet," he said.

His house collapsed on him while he slept in the one-room shack in late April. Two months ago an article was published in THE STAR in which he sought help to rebuild a room to live.

McKenzie said since the article was published he received money from two persons and promises from others. McKenzie also said he was willing to accept donations of building materials and noted that once he could build the foundation, he believes he will find a way to complete the house. "Mi believe say if mi get a start, mi can finish it," he said.

McKenzie, who is now homeless, is staying with a neighbour but notes he cannot stay there indefinitely. He says he has family members but they do not have any money to help him. His NIS pension of $1,014 fortnightly is not even enough to take care of his daily expenses.

The 86-year-old also says that the injuries he sustained when the house collapsed on him got worse at one point recently when his leg became swollen. But he says the swelling has since reduced and he is doing fine. Anyone wishing to assist McKenzie can contact him at 475-7347.