Earlier this week Category 5 hurricane Melissa ripped directly through Western Jamaica. The eye passed near my beloved hometown, Kempshot, in the hills outside Montego Bay. There is unimaginable destruction to the homes and infrastructure of the community. Many people have lost their entire homes. The community is without electricity, cell service and water and will likely be so for weeks.

Funds raised will go towards :

About me : my name is Summer Eldemire I’m a writer and filmmaker and I grew up in Kempshot. There is no part of my creative output that is not informed by this magical, special place in the hills. It is a time of need for our community and I encourage you to donate to rebuilding our community stronger than ever. I love this place with all my heart and can barely recognize it from the few videos I have been able to receive from friends.

I am coordinating with members of the community on the ground, Sarah and Dermot John, to distribute the funds where it is most needed. You can expect photo updates of progress.

Although the place has been ripped apart, the spirit of the people is one of strength and gratitude for life. The spirit of the Jamaican people remains unmatched and you can help them rebuild in this time of crisis. Every donation helps and nothing is too small.

UPDATES FROM FUNDRAISER :

PHASE 1 - IMMEDIATE RELIEF - Our boots on the ground have done multiple trips from Kingston with food, water, medicine and baby supplies for the community. We have also coordinated with charities such as World Central Kitchen and Operation Blessing to deliver approx 1,000 + meals to Kempshot and the surrounding areas of Cross Roads, Camrose, Williamsfield and Hopeton. And assisted doctors from Medicorps to treat the sick in the area.

30 Kempshot community members have been identified as at risk (elderly or sick) and have been marked for priority delivery of food and aid. People in the community have come together and aid distributions have been orderly and calm.

- PHASE 2 - CENTRAL POINT FOR RELIEF - The old clinic at Kempshot was the only government building in the area that was left with a roof. It hasn't been used in 16 years and the team along with dedicated community members have been working tirelessly on cleaning and restoring the building so it can be used as a central point for aid distribution, visiting medics, and a place where community members can access clean water, electricity and shelter. This ensures effective and widespread distribution of aid as we continue to work with other charities and NGOS. The clinic now has a solar battery for charging of devices and a starlink for communication. The next focus will be on plumbing to create toilets and a shower.

With continued support and contributions we hope to move into phases 3 & 4 :

- PHASE 3 - POTABLE WATER - Kempshot has no natural water sources or piped supply and relies on rainwater for catchment. With so many roofs and buildings gone this has created an issue. Phase 3 will be to work on creating a reliable and constant water sources for long-term survival through a water catchment and treatment system.

- PHASE 4 - REBUILD - The school, churches and homes have been destroyed. For our fourth phase will will begin to rebuild this core community spaces and specific homes in a sustainable and long term way that will be resistant to future storms.