Help My Family in Black River, Jamaica Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa

Hi everyone,

My name is Henrique Drummond, and I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was born in Jamaica, and my family still lives in Black River, St. Elizabeth, one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Melissa.

I am raising funds to help my mother, my two sisters, and other relatives who are struggling to survive after losing almost everything in the storm. Their home was torn apart by powerful winds and flooding. The roof was ripped off, rain poured through every room, and parts of the walls collapsed. They now have no running water, no electricity, and no cell service, leaving them completely cut off from the outside world.

During the storm, water rushed into the house faster than anyone could react. My family had to form a human train to get everyone out safely. My mother was showing signs of confusion and exhaustion, and at one point she was ready to give up. It was my younger sister and relatives who held her up and refused to let go until everyone was out of danger. They survived, but the trauma and destruction left behind are unimaginable.

Communication since then has been nearly impossible. The only updates I receive come from my uncle in Kingston, who has been driving hours through blocked and damaged roads to check on them in person. He has been relaying messages between me and my aunt, who is also in the United States, but he cannot continue the trips because they have become too dangerous and too expensive. My family is completely isolated, and we still have not heard from my eldest sister, who lives about an hour away. We have no way of knowing if she is safe or if her home survived.

The funds raised will go directly toward helping my family survive and rebuild. Every contribution will support:

I am personally managing all purchases and transfers to make sure every dollar is used exactly as stated. If there are any remaining funds after my family’s home is repaired, they will go toward helping nearby relatives and other families in Black River who are also struggling to recover.

This has been the most difficult time my family has ever faced. They are strong, but they need help to rebuild their home, recover from the trauma, and reconnect with the world. Even the smallest donation can help provide clean water, food, or materials to restore safety and stability.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for standing with my family in Black River, Jamaica. Your kindness and generosity are helping bring light and hope back to people who have lost almost everything ❤️