My name is Donavan Bell and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help for my siblings, my children’s family of Wakefield, Trelawny and our beloved childhood home in Duncans, Trelawny, Jamaica, which were all devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm left our family homes severely damaged — roofs torn off, belongings destroyed, and entire rooms flooded. My nieces and nephews have been displaced, staying with neighbors and friends while we try to figure out how to rebuild.

My sister Althea of Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica sent this message after the storm, describing what she went through:

“No power — Melissa is a mean one. I stayed with my neighbor who has hurricane shutters, and thank God I did. A red roof from someone’s house far away tore through my newly installed security windows, ripped the concrete, and flew straight through the house before landing in the kitchen — water and splinters everywhere. My shed, packed with lumber and tools, was blown away, and a neighbor nearly a quarter mile down the road found some of the zinc scattered in their yard.

I had placed twelve concrete blocks on top of the zinc roof, and another neighbor across the street found four of them in her front yard — the rest disappeared. During the night, the hurricane shutters started to blow off, and Ms. Archer and I held on for dear life, tying them to the bannister, trying to save what we could. Water poured from every room; my bed was soaked, and the storm raged for almost two full days. I take back every nice thing I ever said about Mother Nature — she showed no mercy this time. What hurts most is that I had just retired and spent my savings fixing up my home, trying to make it safe and comfortable for this new chapter of life, and now it’s all gone”.

Reading that broke my heart. Our family has lost so much, including our childhood home that holds generations of memories, yet they’re still holding on to hope. We’re trying to raise funds to rebuild the roofs, repair the damages, and replace what was lost so my family — especially the children — can return to a safe place.

Your monetary donation will help provide:

• Roof repairs and building materials (zinc sheets, lumber, nails, etc.)

• Replacement of damaged furniture and essential household items

• Clothes, school supplies, and support for the displaced children

• Basic needs while the rebuilding begins

Even the smallest contribution will make a huge difference. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign so others can see their story.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my family and our community recover from this heartbreaking disaster. Every bit of kindness brings them one step closer to home again.