- M
Hurricane Melissa has brought unimaginable devastation to our family in Jamaica, who in live in Parottee, which is just 5 minutes from Black River.
Several family members live together on a shared plot of land, but every single home and unit has been severely damaged — and some have been completely destroyed.
All of the roofs are gone due to the extreme winds.
Flooding and heavy rain have caused extensive water damage, and the foundations of the homes have been compromised by the surge.
One family home has lost an entire wall, leaving it uninhabitable.
Along with all of this, and heartbreakingly, all their belongings have been washed away or destroyed.
This wasn’t just their home — it was their livelihood. Our family has long made a living from the sea, fishing and selling fresh seafood in their own small shop and at the market in Black River.
But now, their boats, fishing gear, and equipment have all been lost to the hurricane. Their shop was destroyed completely and isn’t salvageable, and with the Black River market itself badly damaged and unusable, they have no way to earn income (even once they can fish again).
What Your Donation Will Help With
Your generosity will go directly toward:
- Rebuilding the homes once debris can be cleared and materials are available
- Replacing essentials like food, water, and clothing
- Supporting daily living expenses while the community recovers
- Restoring fishing boats and equipment so they can rebuild their livelihood
Why They Need Help Now
Access to the area is extremely limited. Flooding and road damage have cut off aid routes, and tragically, an aid truck headed to the area was looted in Holland Bamboo, leaving families even more desperate for assistance.
Any amount donated will make a real, immediate difference. The road to recovery will be long, but with your help, our family can start to rebuild their homes, their lives, and their hope.
Please donate if you can, or share this page to help. Every bit of support brings them one step closer to safety and stability.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with our family and our community in this time of crisis.
This is my sons family, I live in London. The money will be given directly to my sons grandmother who lives on this plot with the wider family (photos of her home are uploaded).
Organizer
Helen Clifton
Organizer