During the last week of October, Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall in western Jamaica. The hurricane caused devastating loss of life, with at least 45 people killed and 13 missing. The structural damage to the island was overwhelming—homes, hotels, and entire crops were lost, approximately $8.8 billion in losses. The impact of Melissa will be felt for years to come, as Jamaica relies heavily on tourism and agriculture to support its population.

Throughout this crisis, the Peace Corps Jamaica Staff worked tirelessly to ensure Volunteer safety, even as their own homes and families' homes were being damaged, and in some cases, entirely destroyed. If you know the team at Peace Corps Jamaica, or know someone who has been impacted by them, you know how special they are. They are a group of people who love hard, laugh hard, and work hard. They make you feel special from the moment you meet them and will do what they can within their means to provide support, empowerment, and care.

Now, it’s our turn to give back to those who have supported us through bad days, medical evacuations, cultural differences, the pandemic, hurricanes, and life in general. Your support will help provide financial assistance for electricity, water, clothing, and food for staff who took in displaced family members. It will also help rebuild a soil erosion retaining wall to prevent mudslides, reconstruct a new roof and ceiling, replace items destroyed by rain, and repair structural beams damaged during the hurricane. I invite you to support this wonderful team. I know there are many ways to support others during this time of giving and it would be an honor if you chose to support the team at Peace Corps Jamaica.