As most of you have heard, the recent hurricane Melissa catastrophe in Jamaica was the first category 5 to make landfall on the island in recorded history, causing mass devastation. 

I am a small business owner in Hollywood, CA., in the process of closing my business after 30 years, my husband Amauri is Jamaican. Miraculously he departed Montego Bay the day before they shut down the airport in preparation for the storm. He is now here safe in LA, but is unable to help his family in the hands-on way he would if he were there. Many friends and others have expressed concern and want to help. 

His family lives in Trelawny Parish, which was severely impacted by high winds, torrential rains, and flooding. One of the thousands of trees, which uprooted and fell, collapsed onto their family home. Thankfully everyone in his immediate family weathered the terrifying storm, and made it out with no serious injuries. Sadly many others were not as fortunate. 

There is now a dire need for basic supplies, food, and clean water. It has been over a week since landfall and 70% of the island is still without power, including Trelawny. The scope of devastation and the reality of what it will take to recover is just beginning to come into focus. Often the aftermath of such storms can prove to be even more deadly than the initial event. Communicable and mosquito borne illnesses can become prevalent due to lack of access to clean water and basic hygiene. Hunger and dehydration can lead to a host of other catastrophic outcomes. 

Any amount you’re able to give will go directly to those who need it most. Mama Clear, my mother-in- law, is a farmer, who also raises chickens. She feeds the community. She is kind and generous and goes out of her way to help and care for others. Even in this challenging time she hasn’t griped or complained at all. She remains joyous, good humored and optimistic and is simply grateful to god to have survived. She was able to save a few of her chickens, but over a hundred others perished. Her fruit trees are now bare and her crops are flooded. 

In the near term, we will send direct money transfers which will help with basic necessities. Looking forward we will allocate funds to help with repairs, and rebuild the damaged house. 

We know the road to recovery will be long, and the need may seem monumental, but this is a way to know that your donations are going directly to a family and community in need. We will post bi-monthly updates of the progress and any challenges that may arise, so you can see how far your generosity goes. 

I know things are tight everywhere right now, so if you’re not able to give, no worries. Please spread the word to others to help us reach our goal. A donation in any amount will help.

Thank you for taking the time to consider giving. One love.