Hi everyone, my name is Marisa, and I am asking for your help.

I live here in Jamaica, and so many people I love and care about call this island home. I have family here. My friends are here. I have a community here. After Hurricane Melissa, we have seen the devastation up close.

While many areas have begun receiving support from the government, local heroes, and international aid groups, there are still inner mountain communities in St. Ann and St. James that are very hard to reach. Not out of neglect but because roads are blocked, bridges are damaged, and many of these communities sit deep in the hills, making access extremely difficult.

As a result, many families are still living with:

• Very limited food

• No clean drinking water

• No basic hygiene supplies

• Damaged or unsafe shelter

One of the most inspiring things has been seeing Jamaicans helping Jamaicans, neighbors sharing what little they have, young men clearing fallen trees with machetes and chainsaws, and families cooking together to feed entire districts. But some areas simply don’t have enough to share, and that’s where we can help.

We are coordinating with trusted community members, local churches, and volunteer teams already working on the ground. We will be personally organizing and hand-delivering supplies to affected families.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

* Food and clean drinking water

* Hygiene and sanitation kits

* Emergency roofing materials and shelter support

* Supplies for children, elders, and vulnerable families

Additionally:

As an animal lover and advocate, I will also be providing food for pets and stray animals affected by the storm, and where possible, offering basic medical support through local vets and rescue partners.

Animals are part of these families, too, and they deserve care and relief as well.

How the funds will be used:

Funds will be withdrawn to my verified U.S. bank account and used to purchase relief supplies here in Jamaica, or from U.S. suppliers that can ship efficiently. We will provide receipts, photos, and updates, so you can see exactly where your support goes.

These communities are strong, proud, and resilient.

They don’t need saving; they just need a hand to stand back up.

A little goes a long way:

• $10 = clean water & hygiene essentials

• $25 = groceries for a family

• $100 = shelter repair materials

If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign truly helps.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us help them.

We will be posting regular updates as supplies are delivered.

Jamaica will rise because we rise together.

— Marisa