Disaster Response
Child Development
Clean Water
Hunger Relief
Medical Care
JAMAICA – Jamaica. The word evokes images of a lush tropical island paradise complete with steel drums and swaying palm trees. But in October, when a Category 5 hurricane barreled toward the island, that paradise quickly turned into a battle zone—a battle for survival for those living in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.
As Hurricane Melissa approached, Sasha let her children stay at a friend’s home that she thought would be safer for them. She hunkered down in her own house hoping to watch over what she could. But then disaster struck. She recalled the moment her roof opened up, saying, “The wind came inside and went up and burst the roof!”
Immediate Relief in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
As she escaped her home through a window, Sasha thought of nothing but getting to her children. She feared for their safety and rushed to find them—only to discover that her friend’s home was losing its roof, as well. Sasha and her children managed to survive the storm, but their home and much of their community lay in ruins. The level of devastation looked like a bomb had gone off. Sasha found what she could to create a makeshift shelter for herself and her kids.
But they faced an even bigger crisis—no source of food or clean water. Without these essentials, how could they survive? Then Sasha heard the incredible news. Thanks to your love, Operation Blessing was among the first humanitarian organizations to reach Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, and we had set up a relief base right nearby! Sasha actually giggled with delight as she described seeing the sign for Operation Blessing. She watched workers handing out water and breakfast for everyone who arrived looking for a helping hand.
Rebuilding Lives and Community Infrastructure
Sasha and her kids received a warm welcome and a hot meal from our team, along with other vital necessities like solar lights to see them through this difficult time. And our team also provided medical aid for those who needed it in the aftermath of the storm. This care offered more than just a lifeline. It also provided reassurance for the future. “For me, I saw hope. Because I can see that there are others that still care for us,” Sasha said. “It’s like a home away from home. As a mom that’s the most awesome thing to know—that there is help out there to assist with getting my children something to eat so that they won’t have to go hungry.”
And beyond meeting the immediate needs of the hurricane survivors, because of you, we are also working to rebuild homes and communities in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. “Operation Blessing is a big light of hope right now for us,” Sasha said. “We are grateful. And I will say thank you so much for being here to help us. I am so happy you guys are here.”
Thank you for shining light into dark places to bless precious families like Sasha’s. We simply couldn’t do it without your compassion and support.
