KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Many in Jamaica are without power and unable to contact loved ones while reeling from blocked roads, torn roofs, and other damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Wednesday, Kissimmee’s Vice Mayor and other local Caribbean leaders gathered to plan how to help victims recover at the meeting at Solid Rock Community Church.
The meeting is underway now, and organizers say they’ll begin collecting non-perishable food items, water, and other essential resources. This is the first of several meetings aimed at helping victims of Hurricane Melissa.
Pastor Tim Quainoo and Caribbean in Florida Association President Andy King say many people who attend the church and live in the community have ties to Jamaica and other Caribbean areas, and they want to be among the first to help send supplies.
“When you think of a tragedy like this—a natural disaster that hits and makes landfall as one of the strongest in recent memory, reminiscent of Katrina that hit New Orleans in the southeastern United States—we understand this as part of our community,” said Pastor Tim Quainoo of Solid Rock Community Church. “We know what it’s like to feel the full force of nature come crashing down upon you. It’s important, as brothers and sisters, as people, as humans—irrespective of background—that we come together and meet the need.”
Community leaders say they don’t want to just send random supplies. They’re working with other local organizations to determine whether they should send money, roofing materials, sleeping bags, or other items to best meet the needs of those impacted.