To my incredible family and friends -

Firstly, thank you all so much for holding my family in your hearts so dearly. So many of you have reached out to check on me and my family in Jamaica.

Everyone is okay.

They are all safe and unharmed. My family sheltered in my home In Buff Bay, Portland. Thankfully, Portland is located in eastern Jamaica so we weren’t as heavily impacted as the western coast.

Unfortunately, my mother’s house in Claverty Cottage is completely destroyed. Her house had been standing since the early 1940’s. My mother was born and raised in that house. She was married there. She raised all 8 of her children in that house.

This community of about 150 people reside deep in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. It’s a rural, isolated community, about 7,000 feet above sea level. Despite being far away from the ocean, the damages were still catastrophic.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, the Claverty Cottage community is often left behind in terms of resources and assistance. Most residents of this community rely on farming for much of their income (and food). Hurricane Melissa has devastated their crops, forcing farmers to start all over again. Large staples such as coffee, bananas, yams, potatoes, corn, and fruits are all gone.

I’m raising funds to help my mother re-build her home, and provide crucial resources to the entire community. Resources such as:

* non-perishable foods

* feminine hygiene products

* solar lights

* formula

* toiletries

* SEEDS

* batteries

* flashlights

* first aid kits

…are all crucial for survival during this time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much your continued love and support.

Eternally grateful,

Kimona Hall