Project Outcomes Summary: Jamaica Humanitarian Relief Mission-Hurricane Melissa

In Darliston, community conditions were stark. Students had been invited to come from schools that were destroyed. The principal welcomed all the children and included them as part of her school community. Many families reported complete home loss, with electricity still out after 5 weeks, a lack of running water, and reliance on rainwater collection for basic sanitation. Schools were operating without full water access, using buckets to flush toilets and wash their hands—highlighting the urgent need for hygiene supplies such as soap and washcloths.

Community members expressed deep gratitude; children repeatedly said, “Thank you,” and parents shared their appreciation for not being forgotten. Here we were met by the school Principal, counselors, and local leaders, including the Member of Parliament for the area. We listened to stories and engaged in conversations with residents and teachers who were also in dire straits.

Additional distributions included:

• An infirmary/nursing home serving 40 elderly residents, where we delivered health supplies

• Mason Hall Primary School (51 students) and Hopewell Primary School (approximately 50 students), where supplies were left for coordinated delivery with Dr. McDonald’s former research assistant, who lives in the area.

Day 1 Outcomes: Our team traveled to some of the hardest-hit mountainous regions, including Trelawny (Hague Primary School) and Darliston, Westmoreland, despite long travel times and difficult road conditions. At Hague Primary School, supplies were provided for over 100 children, with school leadership coordinating distribution for the full enrollment. We introduced our team, engaged students through song.

Day 2 Outcomes: In St. Mary Parish, we expanded our planned support beyond Grade 1 at Highgate Primary School after identifying sufficient supplies, ultimately serving 156 children. Although this region experienced less storm impact than the western parishes, visible damage included roof loss, fallen trees, and damage to school infrastructure. Electricity had been restored, but water access remained limited, with continued bucket-flush sanitation. Many students and families were displaced, and some were staying with relatives. Our presence brought them hope. One parent shared that there was no money for gifts, and she had no idea what she was going to do.

Throughout the mission, educators voiced appreciation and relief that their schools were included. The presence of the team—and the act of showing up—was repeatedly cited as meaningful, reinforcing the importance of equitable disaster response.

Overall Impact: This mission provided tangible relief and hope during the Christmas season. It surfaced ongoing needs related to water access, hygiene, and school infrastructure. Funder support directly enabled aid delivery to children, elders, and educators in communities that remain in crisis.

A special Thank you to our partners: