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Hi, my name is Denise Reid, and I’m a Jamaican American living in the Greater Boston area. My parents had me in Boston, and when I was ten, we moved to Montego Bay, St. James, where I grew up. My parents still live there and have built their lives and community in Jamaica. They are unable to return to the U.S., so Montego Bay is their permanent home.
Two days ago, Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, made direct landfall on Jamaica and left behind unimaginable destruction. Montego Bay and its surrounding communities were among the hardest hit.
For two days, I couldn’t reach my family because the entire telecommunications grid was down. When I finally heard from them through a neighbor’s phone, I learned that the roof of their kitchen is completely gone and the space is now structurally damaged and unsafe to use. Many of our neighbors also lost their roofs and parts of their homes.
From their hilltop, my parents can see nearly every house in their neighborhood without a roof. What they described is not just their story but the story of hundreds of families across western Jamaica who are now displaced or living in unsafe conditions.
My mother, who raises and sells chickens to support our family and community, also lost her entire flock and her main source of income. Together, my family and I are doing everything we can to help not only my parents but also our extended family and neighbors as they begin to rebuild.
Why This Matters Now
The storm has passed, but the crisis is far from over. In Jamaica, most families cannot afford home insurance, which means when a home is damaged, they must rebuild from nothing.
We are still unable to fully assess how many people are without power, food, water, or essential supplies. The Jamaican government is actively assessing the damage and determining the scale of need across the island. What we do know is that the communities in and around Montego Bay have suffered devastating losses and need urgent support.
This is not just about rebuilding structures. It is about protecting lives, restoring livelihoods, and keeping families connected as they begin again.
How the Funds Will Be Used
All funds raised will go directly to my family and our local community in Montego Bay to assist with immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding. I will personally oversee how funds are distributed and will share updates as progress continues.
Our top priorities are:
- Purchasing a generator and working phone for my parents to restore communication and power.
- Providing emergency food and water supplies for families who have lost everything.
- Buying materials to secure and repair damaged homes, including the structural repairs needed for my parents’ kitchen roof.
- Helping my mother rebuild her small chicken business to restore income and food supply in the community.
- Supplying medical and hygiene essentials for elders and vulnerable residents.
Every dollar raised will go toward immediate relief and rebuilding efforts. I will share photos, receipts, and progress updates to ensure full transparency at every stage.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever:
- Enjoyed Jamaican music, food, or hospitality
- Vacationed on our island
- Worked alongside Jamaican people
- Or simply believe in community, dignity, and care
Then I invite you to stand with us during this time.
No amount is too small. Every share, every dollar, and every prayer makes a difference.
For those who would like to contribute directly to supplies, we’ve also set up an Amazon list with essential items. Link can also be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2YFLSMZI4TEFS?ref_=wl_share
Jamaica needs us. My family needs us.
Let’s help Montego Bay rebuild together.
Thank you for caring when the cameras have turned away. Your kindness means more than you know.
Organizer
