In a decisive move to address the housing crisis exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa, the National Housing Trust (NHT) has initiated the deployment of 2,500 semi-permanent modular homes. These units, part of a broader plan to install 5,000 homes, are being strategically placed on lands with existing water and sewerage systems to expedite construction and reduce timelines significantly. Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NHT, emphasized the shift in strategy during a press briefing on Wednesday. The initiative prioritizes NHT-owned properties in hurricane-affected regions such as St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover, where infrastructure is already partially developed. The modular homes, constructed from expanded polystyrene (EPS) prefabricated units, are designed for rapid assembly, energy efficiency, and resilience against severe weather conditions. Each 400-square-foot, two-bedroom unit comes pre-wired with essential amenities, including bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. This prefabricated approach minimizes on-site labor and accelerates the delivery of homes to families displaced by the hurricane. Beyond the initial phase, the NHT is exploring additional land acquisitions and collaborating with government agencies to extend the program’s reach to a broader population in need. The Rapid Housing Deployment Initiative is a critical component of the government’s comprehensive recovery package, which includes disaster grants, peril insurance support, and mortgage relief.