Westmoreland is one of the parishes in Jamaica that was hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa (a category 5 storm, one of the strongest to make landfall in the region in recorded history). 

A group of us visited various communities in Westmoreland on “day six” led by Sheffield resident Diane McIntosh. The devastation is staggering. Families are without power, connectivity, water, roofs and essential items.  

As such, we are rallying support for badly damaged Westmoreland communities such as Petersfield, Darliston, Bath, Gully, Sav-la-Mar, and surrounding areas by plugging into the national effort via American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), who is coordinating similar efforts at scale given their multi-decade track record of working with the Government of Jamaica and local charities to meet pressing needs. The goal is to address the hunger, hygiene and shelter needs of youth and their families.  

Many have reached out to offer their assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and we invite you to consider donating to AFJ's Disaster Relief Fund which will support getting supplies to these communities every week until power, connectivity and shelter are restored as much as your donations allow.

The impact of your donations will be monitored by AFJ and a local charity and shared with you.

Thank you for your support, particularly during this difficult time.

- Friends of Westmoreland Families