Hello, Network! As many of you know, I’m from Montego Bay, Jamaica, still considered “home” to me, and the place where I am still deeply rooted in my culture and worldview, even though my higher ed years have been here in the U.S. My culture and heritage have built my views of community, of connectedness, of humour, of resistance, and of resilience.

My mother (whom many of you have met, as she visits often and has been chugging away at building a treehouse in our backyard) still lives in our home in Jamaica. She is a vibrant, strong, passionate, generous, community-oriented woman. And, though she and our house withstood the hurricane far better than most in her area, there have been damages.

Hurricane Melissa struck our family home in Jamaica, leaving my mother with significant damage to her property. The storm tore through the verandah roof, shattered windows, and destroyed the beautiful plants and trees that surrounded her house. On top of all this, she is still without electricity, data, or running water, making daily life incredibly difficult as she tries to recover.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward repairing the roof and windows, making her home safe and comfortable again. We also hope to clear away the fallen trees and replant what was lost, helping to restore the garden that has always brought her so much joy. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference in her recovery and help her rebuild after this devastating storm.

We are so deeply appreciative of any donations made, and please know that you are always welcome to visit and stay at our home in Jamaica in the future. Your kindness and support mean the world to us, and we are grateful for any help you can offer during this difficult time.

(If you would prefer to make donations via other methods to avoid fees, please reach out!)