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HOUSING, FOOD, REBUILDING
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa left scores of households across the Upper Rio Grande Valley struggling to recover. The greatest challenges identified by local leaders and families include:
Housing & Shelter
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Families displaced by flooding and structural damage, now in need of temporary shelter materials such as tarpaulins, tents, and bedding
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Many homes suffered roof loss or full collapse, requiring building materials such as zinc sheets, plywood, cement, nails, and lumber for reconstruction
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Long-term need for volunteers to help with sustainable rebuilding of permanent structures designed to withstand future storms
Food & Water Security
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Shortages of non-perishable foods (rice, flour, canned goods, saltfish)
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Need for piping, storage tanks, and filtration systems to safely channel local spring and rain water into homes.
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Need for household cooking fuel, gas canisters, and kitchen supplies
Community Recovery
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Replacement of bedding, clothing, school materials, and agricultural tools
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Re-establishing small farms and gardens to restore local food independence
These priorities guide how relief supplies and funds are distributed — ensuring help reaches displaced families first while supporting a path toward long-term recovery and stability.
How to Help — Secure Donations, Materials Drop-Off Locations
Your generosity directly supports families rebuilding their lives. You can help in the following ways:
Make a Financial Contribution
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Donate securely through our official Hurricane Melissa Relief portal — linked on this site — or via trusted partners such as GoFundMe and PayPal. All contributions are managed with transparent reporting.
Deliver Building and Relief Supplies
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We are accepting zinc sheets, lumber, nails, cement, tarpaulins, clothing, non-perishable food, bottled water, and first-aid kits.
Drop-off Stations (in the Rio Grande Valley):
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Moore Town Maroon Council Office, Moore Town District, Moore Town P.O., Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Contact Colonel Wallace Sterling: 876-412-0814
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Katawud Village, Ginger House P.O., Comfort Castle District, Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Contact Katawud Village: 876-565-7900
Diaspora Donors Providing Supplies
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Coordinate bulk shipments by emailing relief@mooretownmaroons.org for customs guidance.
Volunteer Your Skills
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Those with technical or professional experience in construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, logistics, health services, or community coordination are invited to volunteer their skills for rebuilding efforts.
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Volunteers will be vetted and approved by the Moore Town Maroon Council to ensure community safety, accountability, and alignment with local needs.
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Approved volunteers may assist in short-term rebuilding, materials distribution, or training local youth in sustainable construction practices.
Spread the Word
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Share verified relief updates on social media using #RGVRelief, #MooreTownMaroons, #MooreTownStrong, #MaroonStrong to mobilize wider support.
Stories from the Valley — Impact Photos & Testimonials
Each story reminds us why rebuilding matters. Families from Moore Town, Cornwall Barracks, Millbank, and Comfort Castle have shared their experiences of surviving the storm and finding hope through community support. Some examples:
Coming Soon
*These photos and testimonials document resilience in real time — the faces of farmers, elders, the youth, and families determined to rebuild the valley they call home.
Relief Updates — Transparency Reports & Ongoing Progress
Accountability is central to the Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative.
This section provides verified updates on donations received, materials distributed, and milestones achieved.
Recent Highlights:
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Coming Soon
Transparency Reports:
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Quarterly summaries detail expenditures, partners, and volunteer hours.
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Funds are tracked through a joint committee of the Maroon Council and diaspora representatives to ensure community-led accountability.