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My name is Colin, and my mother’s side of the family is from Black River in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Last week, my uncle Kingsley, his wife, and their 3-year-old son lost everything when Hurricane Melissa tore through their community. They nearly lost their lives and were trapped for 12 hours before being rescued.
Their 100-year-old family home (pictured below in 2022), passed down from my dear grandmother Myrtle who raised 8 children and died 3 years ago at the age of 96, is gone. Their farm, livestock, and livelihood are gone; the few belongings they had were swept in a few hours. Roads remain blocked, and they are trying to survive and rebuild from absolutely nothing.
I’m organizing this fund to help them cover immediate survival needs - safe shelter, food, clean water, and essentials for their toddler - and then take the first steps toward rebuilding a simple home and restarting their small farm so they can become self-sufficient again.
Our Initial Goal: $20,000
This will cover their most urgent and realistic needs for the next several months:
- Emergency housing & essentials (3-4 months): $4,000
- Food, safe water, hygiene & toddler supplies (3-6 months): $3,000
- Basic household items (beds, stove, clothing, linens): $2,500
- Rebuilding materials & labor for a modest home: $7,000
- Restarting livestock (goats, chickens, feed, fencing): $2,000
- Transport, communication & document recovery: $1,500
If donations exceed the $20,000 goal, every extra dollar will go toward finishing their home, securing clean water storage, and helping other neighbors in their community who also lost everything.
How Funds Will Reach Them
I will withdraw the funds and transfer them directly to my uncle’s family in Jamaica. I’ll share weekly updates with photos, receipts, and progress reports so you can see your impact in real time.
Our Timeline
- Weeks 1-2: Shelter, food, water, and toddler care
- Weeks 3-6: Household basics and temporary housing
- Months 2-4: Begin home reconstruction and livestock restart
They have survived a tragedy that took the lives of their neighbors and wiped out their livelihood. Your donation, no matter the size, helps give them hope, dignity, and the strength to rebuild.
If you can give today, please do. Even $10 helps! If you can’t donate right now, please share this page with your network. Every act of kindness helps this small family in Black River take one step closer to recovery.
Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and prayers for my family and everyone affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Best,
Colin
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FAQs
- What if we exceed the goal? We’ll extend to repairing the roof fully, securing a water tank, and replenishing livestock.
- What if we fall short? We’ll prioritize shelter, food/water, toddler needs, and essential repairs.
- What should I share with my friends? Here's a quick summary you can share with your network: " My friend Colin is helping his uncle’s family rebuild in Black River, Jamaica, after the devastating Hurricane Melissa tore through their community last week. Every share or donation helps... https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-uncles-family-start-over-after-hurricane-in-jamaica "
Organizer
