As many of you know, I was living in my grandparents' home earlier this year in Westmoreland, Jamaica. My family has lived and cultivated the land in Lennox Bigwoods for over three generations. Lennox Bigwoods is a small, rural agricultural community in the southwestern mountains of Westmoreland, Jamaica, and was in the direct path of Hurricane Melissa.

The people in this community have experienced insurmountable damage. There is not a single home or family that has not suffered great loss as a result of this Category 5 hurricane. The government is doing its best to support its citizens, as the entire country is in great need. We know that it will take years to rebuild what was lost and that it will take the government a long time to get to our remote community, so we are asking our community to support. 

Speaking with our family and neighbors, they have said their greatest need is building materials and folks to assist with the physical labor of cleaning up and rebuilding the community. My family and I are raising funds to send barrels of supplies like food, hygiene items, clothing, tents, tarps, and other daily needs for the community. We will also be purchasing building materials to ship by freight, as well as generators and other tools/machinery, so that the community can return to living on their land and rebuilding their homes. The barrels will be sent out as soon as possible, and the building materials will be purchased and sent out by January 2026, as the roads and travel options are minimal at this time. 

We appreciate any amount of support that you are able to give, as we know this will help fill a very big gap for individuals who have lost everything. Thank you for your support and continued intention and prayers for Jamaica.