Jamaica
When Hurricane Melissa battered Jamaica with incessant rain and driving winds, roads were closed, landslides cut off aid routes, and power outages left communities in darkness.
Across the island, people waited anxiously for word, wondering who was safe and when help would arrive. Still, access to resources like electricity and water remain uncertain. Inside Mustard Seed Communities’ homes throughout the storm’s landfall, however, one thing was certain: the children and adults with disabilities living in MSC’s care were never alone.
Before Hurricane Melissa made its historic impact, MSC’s caregivers made an extraordinary choice.
On Saturday, October 25, it was clear that Hurricane Melissa would bring severe challenges across the Caribbean. Anticipating blocked roads, stalled transportation, and limited access to supplies, the leaders and caregivers of Mustard Seed Communities made the decision to remain inside the homes with the residents for the duration of the storm.
As Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica, caregivers lost contact with their own families and faced the possibility that their homes were being damaged or destroyed. Still, they stayed, standing fiercely together to reassure residents, prepare meals, and keep everyone safe.
Our staff is, to the letter, the most amazing people I have ever met. They’re the ones who really got [hurricane preparations] together. Although we have had a lot of damage, they are the ones who got us through the storm.
-Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, Founder of Mustard Seed Communities
Every MSC location across the island remained fully staffed before, during, and after the hurricane, ensuring that residents continued to receive food, care, and comfort, no matter what unfolded outside.
We extend our deepest gratitude and honor the dedication of these caregivers who were our heroes throughout Hurricane Melissa, including the caregivers we are able to feature below.
Blessed Assurance: Keeping residents safe from floodwaters in eye of Hurricane Melissa
Caregivers at Blessed Assurance in Montego Bay faced the most severe challenge. Hurricane Melissa’s path tore directly through the western side of Jamaica, completely flooding Blessed Assurance’s cottages and other buildings. Doing everything possible to keep residents safe, the caregivers moved all 33 residents, many in wheelchairs, to the mission house’s upper room where they could stay dry and warm.
After the flood subsided and rain finished ripping across the sky, one caregiver, Ms. Dobson, shared through her tears what it was like to endure this experience.
“I didn’t think anyone was coming for us,” Ms. Dobson said after a team of MSC staff arrived through the debris after the storm cleared. She had not heard from her two teenage children on the other side of town, but held onto her faith. “I am trusting God to take care of them the same way He is taking care of His children here.”
Another caregiver who lives a walkable distance from Blessed Assurance arrived at the apostolate after the storm to join the others. Surprise and gratitude rocked her to her core. “We thank God that the hurricane passed exactly at the time it did. Had it stayed an hour more on the island we would have all died.”
Sophie’s Place: Residents safe and smiling as soon as the hurricane clears
Across the island, Sophie’s Place lost electricity and running water during Hurricane Melissa. Despite these challenges, 11 caregivers and staff remained on site for six days, providing attentive care to residents under difficult conditions.
When the storm finally passed, staff worked quickly to clear a landslide blocking the property. Residents remained safe and smiling, reassured by the unwavering presence and dedication of the caregivers who had stayed by their side throughout the crisis.
Gift of Hope: Empathy abounds through all challenges
Close to Jamaica’s geographic center, caregivers at Gift of Hope stayed on duty throughout the storm. Located farther from Hurricane Melissa’s path than Montego Bay, the home experienced less flooding but still sustained damage to its roof.
For longtime caregiver Janet, leaving her own home during the hurricane was a personal sacrifice she made out of deep love and devotion to the residents:
I try my best to share love with these children as if they are my own. During the hurricane, my house was damaged and completely lost due to rising water in Manchester. I’m homeless and still I come in to care for these children. I love my job because of the connections I have built with the residents over the past eight years. They bring out the love I have inside of me.
Janet’s story reflects the extraordinary dedication of MSC caregivers. Even while facing extreme challenges in their own lives, they remain steadfast, motivated by the deep bonds they share with the children and adults in their care. Their compassion and resilience ensure that no resident is ever left alone, even in the most dangerous of storms.
Because of the caregivers’ extraordinary commitment, Mustard Seed Communities can promise that though the children and adults with disabilities in our care may have been abandoned before, they will never be abandoned again.
From Blessed Assurance in Montego Bay to Gift of Hope and Sophie’s Place, caregivers left their own homes, braved floodwaters and landslides, and stayed on duty for days, ensuring every resident was fed, safe, and comforted.
Their courage and compassion during Hurricane Melissa show what drives MSC: a commitment of mind, heart, and spirit to those in our care. We are endlessly grateful for these caregivers, who make miracles happen every day.
We rely on the support of our community to help caregivers continue their life-changing work. Every gift made provides direct relief to our 12 homes across Jamaica so that care can continue.
Your gift also contributes to the wellbeing of our caring staff as they, too, recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.