State of Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

by La Familia November 09, 2025

Growing Homelessness & Families Displaced

Preliminary assessments show that in western Jamaica, more than 120,000 structures have had roofs completely ripped off.
Those 120,000+ “roofless” buildings equate to roughly 90,000 families left at least partially exposed or without safe, intact shelter.
Many of those displaced now find themselves living in shelters: at one point, some 13,000 people were in shelters across the island.
Tragically, homelessness was deadly even before full recovery began. For example, one homeless man was buried under a collapsed container during the hurricane.
Because entire communities are cut off, exposed to the elements, or waiting on debris removal, the number of people currently without secure homes is significant. The vulnerability of those already homeless has been amplified.

What this means:
Homes once taken for granted are now gone or severely damaged; thousands of families face the trauma of living in temporary shelters, in tents, or under tarpaulins. The homeless population – especially those without already stable housing – is even more at risk. Rebuilding homes means first rebuilding hope, security and dignity.

Hunger & Urgent Basic Needs

Relief operations are under way, but the scale is immense: one report described Jamaica’s debris load at nearly 5 million tons, delaying access to some communities.
- - - - In impacted communities, people lined up for distribution of staples like rice, beans, cooking oil and powdered milk. A local resident said simply: “Many people are homeless right now.”
Even after initial relief, everyday essentials remain in shortage for many: food, water, hygiene kits and shelter supplies are still being delivered.

What this means:
With homes destroyed and incomes interrupted, many families face hunger and deprivation. The homeless – and those newly displaced – have nearly no buffer. Hunger is not just a side-effect of the storm; it’s urgent. Feeding people is key, but so is sustaining that support until people can rebuild livelihoods.

Artists, Diaspora & Collective Action Step Up

Artists and people in the diaspora are already mobilizing. Shaggy, Vybz Kartel, Spice, Bounty Killer and many other dancehall artists personally organized relief and urged others to give.
Sean Paul is matching up to US$50,000 in donations via his foundation, partnering with Food For The Poor Jamaica.
Diaspora organizations are mobilizing supplies, money transfers and volunteer support: for example, JN Foundation (via the Jamaican-diaspora-linked JN group) is coordinating overseas donations and volunteers.
Businesses with Jamaican roots such as Golden Krust (US-based Jamaican food chain) have launched campaigns to raise relief funds, ship supplies and provide a “Box of Hope” initiative.

What this means:
There is heart and energy behind the relief efforts. The cultural and diaspora links to Jamaica are being activated, and that matters tremendously. It shows that Jamaica is not alone and that people who care are already leaning in. But this moment demands more, especially sustained support not just immediate crisis relief but long-haul rebuilding.

The Road Ahead — Why Rebuilding Won’t Be Easy

The storm caused massive damage that will take months to years to fully repair. One estimate puts total damage in Jamaica at upwards of US$6 billion (almost one-third of the nation’s GDP).
Access to the hardest-hit areas remains a challenge: at least 27 communities were still cut off a week after the storm struck.
Debris removal and infrastructure restoration (power, roads, water) remain urgent first steps, without which rebuilding homes is extremely difficult.
The vulnerable – the homeless, the displaced, the impoverished – will be among the last to recover unless recovery is made inclusive.

What this means:
Rebuilding is not just fixing roofs. It’s restoring communities, livelihoods, homes, and sense of safety. The work will stretch into the long term. Without sustained effort, many could remain homeless, hungry, or excluded from the recovery.

A Message to La Familia Movements

To the community of La Familia: this is our moment to stand up. Jamaica is part of our extended family culturally, emotionally, and in shared humanity. The story here is not just devastation, it’s also solidarity rising up. Here’s how we can stay engaged:

Raise awareness — Keep the story alive. Even after the news cycle moves on, Jamaica still needs us.
Support credible channels — Consider donating to trusted organizations listed by Jamaican diasporic groups, such as Food For The Poor Jamaica, Global Empowerment Mission, JN Foundation, the Melissa Relief Fund.
Target the vulnerable — Especially those who are homeless, displaced, or newly housing-insecure.
Think long-term — Focus on rebuilding: homes, infrastructure, community support, and not only the immediate relief.
Encourage diaspora mobilisation — Encourage our sisters and brothers abroad to send supplies, funds, or volunteer time.
Celebrate and amplify contributions — The efforts of artists, communities, and small-scale helpers need recognition. When we highlight them, we encourage more participation.

Closing Thought

What has happened in Jamaica is tragic. But it is not hopeless. The spirit of the people is strong. The network of family across the island and across the seas is responding. At La Familia, we believe in “one love, one family, one nation.” Jamaica needs us now; the island needs our unity, our compassion, our action.

Let us recommit ourselves to being part of the rebuilding. It will not be easy. It will not be quick. But together with Jamaican artists stepping up, diaspora communities sending support, and grassroots efforts on the ground fighting to rebuild homes and feed the hungry we will help Jamaica rise again.

One love. One family. Let’s get to work.