Hi everyone, my name is Natalie Odell, and my heart is breaking for my family and friends in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa has left entire communities destroyed, homes washed away, roads blocked, and people without food, water, or shelter. Many of my loved ones have been directly affected, and I still haven’t heard from my dad or several family members since the storm hit. My 13-year-old little sister, who lives with our father, has been desperately trying to reach him, and every moment that passes without word feels heavier.

Beyond my own family, I have close friends who have lost multiple family members to this storm. The grief across Jamaica is unimaginable, and so many people are still struggling to locate their loved ones or rebuild what little remains of their homes. My family and I are doing everything we can to help from here. We’re personally gathering supplies: food, water, medical items, clothing, and hygiene essentials to send to Jamaica.

The funds raised here will go toward hurricane relief efforts for my own family, friends, and neighbors in our local community. Donations will be used to purchase and deliver food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelters.

I lived in Jamaica as a child, and one thing I’ve never forgotten is the kindness of its people. Even those who had the least always gave the most. Jamaica has been ranked the #1 country in the world for being the most likely to help a stranger and now, they need that same love and generosity returned.

Your donation, no matter the size, can help bring relief, hope, and safety to families who are suffering right now. Please share, donate, and help us get resources to those who need it most.

my siblings and I when we lived in Jamaica

With my “Name sake” aunt Natalie my Dad’s sister. (still haven’t heard from her or cousins)

family trip to see our Jamaican family for my birthday

With my siblings in Jamaica, celebrating my 30th birthday