Local Jamaicans Rally to Aid Island Devastated by Hurricane Melissa

Local Jamaicans Rally to Aid Island Devastated by Hurricane Melissa

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left many in Polk County concerned about their loved ones back in Jamaica. As the storm ravaged the Caribbean, satellite images revealed the stark devastation it caused. Escalating from concerns into outright crisis, at least 50 lives have been confirmed lost in Jamaica by the morning of October 31, 2023.

Dr. Shirley White-Campbell, a Jamaican resident in Polk County, has taken it upon herself to rally the community around aid efforts for her homeland. Her nonprofit organization is hard at work gathering donations to send much-needed assistance to the more remote areas of Jamaica. „I haven’t heard from any of my relatives since the hurricane hit,“ she expressed, echoing the worries of many in the community who are still waiting for news from Jamaica.

Community Response

In addition to White-Campbell’s efforts, Shelly Williams, the owner of a Jamaican restaurant in Lakeland, is organizing her own relief initiative. Williams has managed to contact her relatives in Jamaica, and their reports of severe damage to homes compel her to act. With the winds of the hurricane reaching up to 185 mph, it is no surprise that conditions in Jamaica are dire.

Not only are local residents gearing up to help, but organizations from South Florida are mobilizing support as well. Leading the charge are South Florida Caribbean Strong, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), and The Miami Foundation. They are calling on the community to donate, volunteer, and collect relief supplies. As Deika Morrison, GEM’s Executive Country Director for the Caribbean, highlights, their groundwork will be crucial in the recovery efforts ahead.

A Path Forward

South Florida organizations are bracing for a significant aid campaign due to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Heightened urgency surrounds the situation with catastrophic flooding and landslides having ravaged the island. Marlon Hill, GEM’s lead volunteer mobilizer, emphasized the need for quick action in gathering and distributing aid.

To facilitate this, GEM has established drop-off locations for donated supplies across several regions, including Miramar, Lauderhill, Homestead, and Tamarac. Some of these drop-off sites include:

• Miramar Drop-off Locations:
  • Fire Station 19: 6700 Miramar Parkway
  • Fire Station 70: 9001 Miramar Parkway
  • Miramar Police Headquarters: 11765 City Hall Promenade
• Lauderhill Drop-off Locations:
  • Lauderhill City Hall: 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
  • Veterans Park: 7600 NW 50th St.
• Homestead Drop-off Locations:
  • City Hall: 100 Civic Court
  • Homestead Police Department: 45 NW 1st Avenue
• Tamarac Drop-off Locations:
  • Tamarac City Hall: 7525 NW 88th Ave.
  • Fire Station 15: 6000 Hiatus Road

Moreover, individuals are encouraged to volunteer their time to aid in assembling emergency kits at GEM’s warehouse in Doral. The need for efficient mobilization of supplies is apparent as flights resume, making it possible to send donations directly to Jamaica.

Meanwhile, groups like Christian Disaster Response from Winter Haven are also joining in the efforts, planning to send food and medical supplies. They are currently in search of volunteers skilled in medicine or trades for a deployment lasting at least three weeks, employing boats to minimize the impact on an already damaged infrastructure.

As the community comes together, it’s clear that the resilience and support of local Jamaicans and their friends in Polk County shine bright in these dark times. Reflecting on the strength of unity, it’s indeed heartening to see how many are willing to lend a hand during this catastrophic disaster.