"Right now they don't have a roof, food, water, the shops that they had are gone, they don't have insurance. These are their life savings and life's work, any dollar you give will matter longterm and they will never forget you. You will always be welcomed in their yard" - Jay McIntosh

Hello friends and family. We’re raising funds to support the McIntosh family and their community in Jamaica, who have been devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Much of his family lives in Trelawny and Westmoreland directly impacted by the eye of the Hurricane. Jay speaks with his family daily, visits several times a year and is extremely close with his relatives in Jamaica.

While we pray to hear more from loved ones, our goal is to raise funds so that we’re ready to provide immediate relief when we do make contact. They will need food, clean water, clothing, and the means to start rebuilding. Most of their homes consisted of tin roofs and wooden board houses on cement blocks.

Jay was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but his roots and heart are in Jamaica. His late father, Jesse, was born and raised in Trelawny and Negril, built a life there filled with love, hard work, and community. Jay has many aunts, uncles and cousins in the areas most badly impacted but the hurricane. The homes his family spent their lifetimes building, the ones that hold generations of memories, are needing immediate repair.

As far as we know, many of Jay’s relatives have lost nearly everything - their homes, clothing, and food - and are now cut off from communication. They may need medical attention. With no Wi-Fi or power across these areas of the island, we haven’t been able to reach many of them yet. It could be days or weeks before we know the full extent of their losses.

We’ll share updates, blog posts, and photos here as we learn more about Jay’s family and how your generosity is making an impact on the island.

Whether or not you know us personally, your support will bring hope and healing to a family and community that mean the world to us.

Thank you for standing with us, and with Jamaica

With much love and gratitude,

The McIntosh Family

Any money received in this fund will be overseen and appropriately distributed to the family by Jay McIntosh.