Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Relief

Imagine surviving the strongest hurricane to make landfall, but then dying in the aftermath because you could not receive aid quickly enough. While the government and crisis organizations are working rapidly to reach everyone, the disturbing truth is, they cannot. My name is Jodi Melissa Mosley and I am an advocate for the forgotten communities of Jamaica impacted by Category 5 Monster Hurricane Melissa. It is my goal to ensure no community gets left behind.

We are 1 week post-Hurricane Melissa and some communities in rural Westmoreland and the now mud-encased communities along the western rivers of Montego Bay, where I spent my childhood, are yet to receive any aid. 10 days and counting - no food, no water, no shelter, no electricity. We must urgently assist the Jamaican people to ensure the fight for survival does not result in an untimely death. We have the ability to help save lives, but we need your help to do it.

The task ahead is insurmountable; even we sometimes feel defeated. However, we are fueled by the ache in our hearts and the cries from our people. Our humanity requires us to create impact, no matter the size, because every effort counts.

We are racing against time. Funeral homes are mass burning bodies because there is no power to keep them frozen, plus more bodies keep piling in. Simultaneously, dead bodies are floating in the up to 12ft deep flood waters, others are decaying in the ravaged landscape. We cannot wait for the government to arrive, because sadly, they may not.

Please help us save the children, babies, women, men, and elderly people who are being overlooked. Overlooked because of location and the extremity of this devastating uprooting of their lives and livelihood.

About me:

My name is Jodi Melissa Mosley. I am presently living in Atlanta GA but I was born and raised in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. I spent all my summers and other holidays in Westmoreland (Negril, Fullersfield, Little London, Sav) where my grandmother, uncles, cousins and friends still reside. In Jamaica, I attended Catherine Hall Primary School, Montego Bay High School and Montego Bay Community College. I attained my bachelors degree in accounting and my masters degree in marketing from Georgia State University. I am now an entrepreneur and own a resort-wear brand called Jodi Melissa. My immediate family has minimal damage and are all ok; this effort is to support marooned communities, neighboring destitute communities and the less fortunate.

We (myself plus team on the ground in Jamaica) have already spent over 30,000 USD/4.5 million JMD of our own money to help fund relief efforts. However, the need is so great, we realize we cannot do this alone. We need to raise extra funds to supplement our ongoing efforts. 75% of the island is without electricity and majority of the western population is homeless.

We are adopting the Petersfield Women's shelter, (previously the high school but now being used as a shelter), which currently houses 200 women, children and babies.

Our focus is on providing care packages and temporary housing solutions. Care packages include items like bottled water, canned foods, flour, rice, sanitary napkins, diapers and baby food. Housing solutions include tarps, tents, towels, sheets, bedding, sleeping bags.

Any amount is greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to donate as little as $5. Every bit counts. We greatly appreciate your kindness and humanity.

You can also support our Amazon Wishlist. Items purchased will be shipped to us directly.

If you would like to make a corporate donation or a tax deductible donation, please donate to our non-profit partner and registered US based 501c. Here's the link https://givebutter.com/DTRtojamaica

If you can ship us items please ship to:

Jodi Melissa Mosley

1890 Briarwood Rd Ne

Suite 7,

Atlanta, GA 30329

Items you can ship:

Towels

Sheets

Tarps (20x20 or larger)

Sleeping bags

Sanitary napkins

Diapers

Baby formula

Mosquito repellent