Help Rebuild Lives in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

I am sure you’ve seen and will continue to see many GoFundMe campaigns for Hurricane Melissa. But here’s why this one is different: every dollar raised here will go directly towards rehousing families who have lost everything. Our goal is clear to put roofs back over people’s heads by providing temporary one-bedroom container homes for those left homeless in the aftermath of this disaster.

My name is Tara Playfair-Scott, a proud Jamaican who migrated as a child but returned home years ago to live, work, and invest in the country that raised me. I currently live in Kingston which was not affected as badly as the Western part of Jamaica. This island is not just where I’m from it’s who I am. I must play my part to help how and where I can.

Having lived through Hurricane Andrew while in school in Florida, I never imagined seeing this level of devastation again, much less here in Jamaica. But until you witness it firsthand, the videos, photos, and stories can’t begin to capture the reality. It’s apocalyptic. Entire communities have been flattened, and families especially women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are struggling to survive in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Bags with a day or two worth of food, toiletries are great but where do they go to eat it? To use the bathroom? to change a diaper? to rest their head and get out of the sun?

If I could rebuild every home myself, I would. But I can’t so I’m asking you to help me help them. Please.

Each container home costs about US$4,000, including shipping, transportation, and installation. Our goal is to get 2,000 families safely rehoused a drop in the bucket, but a start that means everything to those who have lost it all. Every journey begins with a single step. Let's make that first step together. We will start with families in the West including Westmoreland and St James. Families have been identified by the Members of Parliament and Councillors, Caretakers in those areas and we will share the names of the families who receive a home as well as when they are handed their keys to move in.

This is a call to Jamaicans and Caribbeans across the Globe, and to all those touched by our food, music, culture, and warmth. Together, we can give hope back to our people one home at a time.

As we say in Jamaica, “Every mikkle makes a mukkle.” Every penny counts. No donation is too small or too large.

Please donate, share, and tell a friend to tell a friend because when we come together, we can rebuild lives. We can bring hope. I am ever so grateful. Thank you!

With Gratitude - Tara