Hello everyone,

My name is Aalana (Samuels) Scherl, and I grew up on a multigenerational family compound in St Ann, Jamaica. This community is home to my parents, grandparents parents, great grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunties. Recently, Hurricane Melissa swept through the island and caused catastrophic damage to homes, roads, and even hospitals. My family’s community was hit hard as trees fell on houses, roofs were torn off, and essential belongings were destroyed.

While international aid from CARICOM, the UK, the US, and others has been promised, I know that government relief will take time and will likely be directed first toward rebuilding major infrastructure like hospitals and public roads. I don’t want my family to be left waiting for help that may not come soon enough.

This GoFundMe aims to help them rebuild by purchasing materials like lumber, zinc sheets, and cement to repair their homes, and to provide groceries to ease the financial burden while they recover.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in restoring stability and hope for my family and our community.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.

With gratitude,

Aalana (Samuels) Scherl

Ps, I don’t have very good photos because it’s hard to reach people without cell service, internet or electricity.