Short Summary
Two friends in Kingston, Jamaica, are trying to recover while showing up for others after Hurricane Melissa. Markelia, a radio host, is reporting from devastated areas. Dionne’s mom’s roof was torn off, and flooding caused severe damage. They need urgent support.
Full Story
Who am I, and my relationship to the beneficiaries?
My name is Joy, and I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I am raising funds for two friends I have known for more than seven years, MarKelia and Dionne, who live in Kingston, Jamaica. They are both facing a crisis and still caring for their community every day.
What happened?
According to news reports, Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. The devastation across western Jamaica is unlike anything seen in decades. At least 32 people have been killed, many hard-hit areas remain without power, roads are blocked by trees/debris, and families need food and water.
- Markelia, radio host at Irie FM, is navigating blocked roads and widespread damage to report from the hardest hit areas so people know where to get help.
- Dionne’s mother lost her roof. Their home flooded, and most belongings were damaged.
Even while struggling to get by, both women are showing up for others in greater need.
How funds will be used?
All donations will go directly to Markelia and Dionne (listed as beneficiaries) and will be used for:
- Food and bottled water for their families and community (immediate priority).
- Roof repair for Dionne’s mother’s home, including materials and labor to safely rebuild and seal the damaged roof.
- Medical costs, including clinic visits, prescriptions, and related care for storm-related symptoms.
- Transportation to reach supplies and navigate blocked roads.
- Community relief supplies, including hygiene items, cooking gas, clothing and blankets, modest emergency cash for urgent purchases, and other essentials such as batteries and flashlights, baby supplies, and first aid items.
- WiFi and data top-ups to stay connected and coordinate help.
Closing
In moments like this, what carries us is community. If you can give, thank you. If you can only share, thank you. Every gesture, no matter the size, helps MarKelia, Dionne, and their community take the next step toward safety and stability.