Jamaica
The recent passage of Hurricane Beryl through Jamaica left its mark on Mustard Seed Communities (MSC), an international nonprofit that cares for children and adults with disabilities who have been abandoned.
On July 3, 2024, the powerful Category 4 Hurricane Beryl tore through Jamaica with fierce winds and heavy rain for over 12 hours. Our buildings, which are situated all across the island, stood strong and offered shelter from the worst of the storm’s impacts – thankfully keeping residents, staff, and volunteers safe. However, we are left with damage across our facilities that presents a challenging road to recovery in the months to come. Leaking roofs, broken windows, downed trees, power outages, and vital infrastructure need our attention immediately.
Across MSC’s homes in Jamaica, the damage left in Hurricane Beryl’s wake varies but is widespread:
Blessed Assurance: Broken windows and doors, fence and bridge damage
Dare to Care: Severe leaking roofs
Gift of Hope: Computers damaged/need replacement, broken doors and shutters, major roof leaks, damage to mission house
Martha’s House: Leaking roofs
Mary’s Child: Fallen trees, major roof leaks, damaged light poles
Matthew 25:40: Leaking roofs
My Father’s House: Perimeter wall washed away, building leaks
Sophie’s Place: Continued flooding, leaking roofs, damaged electricity lines
Jacob’s Ladder: Fallen trees, damaged electricity lines, broken windows, leaking roofs, and common room issues.
Among the most significant of damages is the destruction of the retaining wall at My Father’s House in Kingston. This wall was more than a structure of stone; it provided a critical barrier of safety for the 40+ children with disabilities who reside there. Its absence leaves these children vulnerable to new uncertainties, making the reconstruction of this wall a top priority. Rebuilding it swiftly is necessary to restore a sense of emotional and psychological security to the children and adults with disabilities who call My Father’s House their home.
Watch the following video to hear Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of MSC, describe the retaining wall’s importance to My Father’s House:
Care for the children and adults with disabilities at MSC remains our top priority. However, widespread power outages hinder our ability to assess and repair the hurricane’s damage. This presents a severe obstacle for MSC as we provide shelter, food, and healthcare every day for individuals with critical medical conditions. Now, we are stretching our resources to cover the damages while ensuring all residents receive the care they deserve.
In the midst of these challenges, we are calling on our community for support. As we begin the recovery process for our MSC Family, we ask for your prayers for the continued safety and well-being of all our residents and staff across Jamaica.
Your generosity and support are crucial during this time. Together, as one community, we can overcome the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and ensure our homes remain havens of safety and hope for society’s most vulnerable members.