Hello friends,

This is Raveena. As you know, I am from Jamaica and most of my dear family still lives there. As you also know, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa just ripped a devastating path through my beloved island. I know there are many donation options set up to help the Jamaican people hit hardest, and I encourage you to donate to any of the grassroots organizations with boots on the ground helping right now. However, this one is personal for me. Several of my family members have been displaced by Melissa due to missing roofs and/or trees falling onto their houses. We are still waiting to hear from several more since most of the island is now without electricity or cell connection. Despite all this, it is with an overjoyed heart that I get to report that, so far, they all survived the hurricane and are being housed by others in the community. Still, there is a long road to rebuilding for them, and this is where you come in. You have all heard of Jamaica (the food, the music, the beauty, the PEOPLE). Many of you have been to Jamaica, and many of you love Jamaica. While my mom, sister, and I are working to help cover immediate needs for my family, I know we will not be able to help them fully rebuild on our own. I am not afraid to ask for help, and I know we will need the help. Anything you can give helps greatly, even if it's just prayers in this difficult time. We will be using the funds to help clear all the debris, rebuild the parts of their homes that were damaged, and replace furniture and living essentials taken by the hurricane. Your help will also go towards housing, clothing, and feeding them while they are rebuilding. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions.

P.S. I am so grateful to all those that reached out this past week to check in on my family. I am humbled by the love shown from my village.

I will update this as power and connection are restored and more of their needs become clear. I will certainly update when the rest of my family has been marked safe. I have faith that they will all be marked safe.

Thank you for sticking with me through all of this. My gratitude to you is beyond measure.

-Raveena