Hi everyone,

My name is Barb “Debbie” Rodney. I was born and raised in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and now reside in Waseca, Minnesota. On October 28, 2025, my life changed forever. What was supposed to be a short vacation after a long, busy summer became a story of heartbreak, fright, sadness, and purpose that I will carry for the rest of my life.

My husband and I were in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa hit. We experienced the devastation firsthand — the howling winds, torrential rains, and the heartbreaking sight of families watching their homes collapse before their eyes. It was terrifying and humbling. When the storm finally passed, we stepped outside to a world that no longer looked like home.

Though we made it back to Minnesota safely after days of canceled flights and uncertainty, our hearts remain in Jamaica. We can’t forget the faces of those who lost everything — their homes, their crops, and in many cases, their hope. Many, especially the vulnerable — children and the elderly — are still without clean drinking water, food, or shelter.

We’ve decided we can’t just move on — we have to take action.

The government and many charitable organizations are doing their best, but rural areas remain the hardest to reach. Some communities are cut off completely, while others are last in line for recovery and relief efforts. Many families are still waiting for help that may never come.

My husband, who is a general contractor, and I have committed to raising $15000 to purchase zinc, lumber, nails, and other essential building materials to help 10–15 families in our district and neighboring communities rebuild their homes and start again.

Every dollar you give will go directly toward:

Roofing materials and home repairs for affected families

Clean water, food, and essential supplies

❤️ Restoring hope and dignity to those who need it most

We saw the devastation with our own eyes — we heard the cries, we felt the fear, and we made a promise to help. Now, we’re reaching out to our friends, community, and anyone who believes in compassion and action.

No donation is too small — $5, $10, $20, $50, or $100 — every contribution helps families rebuild their lives one nail, one roof, and one meal at a time.

Your generosity doesn’t just rebuild homes — it rebuilds faith, strength, and hope.

Thank you for standing with us and with Jamaica during this difficult time.

Together, we can rebuild one home, one family, and one heartbeat at a time.

With love and gratitude,

Barb “Debbie” Rodney