Help Rebuild a Home for Ms. Rube and Uncle Bertram After Hurricane Melissa

My family is asking for help after my grandmother, Ms. Rube, and my uncle, Bertram (“Uncle Berchy”), lost their entire home in Westmoreland, Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa. The storm completely destroyed their wooden house —its roof was ripped off, parts of the structure collapsed, and everything inside was ruined by water damage and years of hidden termite weakening. It’s heartbreaking to know the place filled with so many memories is now gone.

Ms. Rube is 85 years old and recently visited me in Atlanta to meet my son, Michael and my husband, Chris, for the first time. During that visit, she began showing signs of confusion, and my mom took her to a doctor—this is when we learned she has dementia. A disaster like this is especially destabilizing for someone in her condition. She is confused, displaced, and struggling to understand what happened.

My Uncle Bertram is also in a very fragile situation. He has diabetes, is legally blind, and recently had surgery to remove a toe. That surgical site has now become infected, and because they live in a remote part of the island, getting consistent medical help or even supplies is incredibly difficult. We are currently arranging for antibiotics to be delivered, but the logistics are challenging and urgent.

Because the area is so remote, non-profit aid has not reached them, and we have no choice but to handle everything ourselves as a family. My mom has been their main financial support for years, but this disaster is far beyond what she—or any one person—can manage.

We are hoping to raise $10,000 to purchase and assemble a pre-fabricated tiny home for them. Some of our relatives in the U.S. are preparing to fly to Jamaica to build it on-site and ensure Ms. Rube and Uncle Berchy have a safe, stable place to live. Anything raised will go toward the cost of the home, building materials, and immediate recovery needs. The long-term ongoing support will continue to be a family effort.

Any amount helps, and if you’re unable to give, sharing this link means the world to us.

Thank you for helping us rebuild safety and dignity for two people who have spent their lives caring for others. My family is deeply grateful.