Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, has passed, leaving widespread devastation across Southern and Western Jamaica. Thousands of people have been affected, with families displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered.

In the wake of this disaster, relief efforts are urgently needed to support those hit the hardest. Communities across the southern and western parishes are in desperate need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical supplies. Your contribution can make a difference. Every donation helps bring hope and relief to families as they begin the long journey toward recovery and rebuilding. Together, we can help restore lives and strengthen our nation’s resilience.

Items Needed
Food & Water

• Tin & Non-Perishable Items
• Bottled Water (Case or 5 Gallons)
• Snacks for Children

Safety & Comfort

• Mosquito Repellant
• Mosquito Candles
• Destroyer

Power & Lighting

• Candles, Flashlights, Batteries
• Battery/Solar Operated or Rechargeable Lanterns/Flashlights
• Battery Operate or Rechargeable Fans
• Power Banks

Rebuilding Supplies

• Tarpaulins
• Buckets, Barrels, Jumbo Garbage Bags
• Tents

Bedding, Hygiene & Clothing

• Sheets, Towels, Sleeping Bags, Blankets
• Alcohol, Sanitiser, Soap, Lysol, Disinfectant Wipes/Sprays, Tissue
• Toothpaste/Brush
• Deodorant
• First AID Kits
• Sanitary Products (Pads, Wipes, Tampons)
• Baby Products (Pampers, Wipes, Formula, Cereal)

Clothing & Shoes

• Adults, Babies, Kids/All Age & Gender
• Raincoats/Ponchos

Cleaning Supplies

• Bleach, Disinfectant

Elderly Care

• Adult Pampers & Pads
• Nutritional Supplements (Ensure, Glucerna, etc.)

For a more extensive list, please visit https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs. Donations may also be made directly to https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/.

The Alpha Boy’s Institute 

Founded in 1880, the Alpha Boy’s Institute has been administered since 1890 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, a catholic order of nuns. The Alpha Boy’s Institute currently supports 100 children from ages 8 through 18 years old.

It offers vocational training in agriculture, music, tailoring, wood working, and screen printing. Of the vocations taught at the school music has been the most prolific.

Missionaries of the Poor

Missionaries of the Poor was started in 1981 in Jamaica. Led by Father Richard Ho Lung and a group of Brothers, they began their work in a government-run house for the homeless, the destitute, and the aged. They were successful in opening the consciousness of the public to the needs and struggles of the poor.

They continued their outreach by also working with prisoners, helping bring to light the need for the rehabilitation of prisoners instead of the mere isolation of them.

The Open Arms Development Center

This Center is a non-governmental organization that seeks to play an integral role in the eradication of homelessness. To accomplish this, the center cares for the homeless in a loving atmosphere.

Established in November 2006, they operate a day center for both male and female homeless adults. The centeralso  has some basic living facilities to house around 90 male participants  at a time, they also additionally take in a lot of people off of the street on a daily basis.

These homeless individuals are fed, offered a bath and haircut, and are taught basic farming, hair dressing, and office skills.

The Marie Atkins Shelter

It provides solace for over 100 men and women each night.

The Poor Relief Department states that at least half of the hundreds who roam Kingston’s streets in the day and sleep wherever they can in the night are mentally stable. While most just cannot afford to pay their rent, some are drug addicts and/or deportees. Others are victims of natural disasters, such as fires or hurricanes that prevent them from returning to their homes.