When Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica in late October, it brought severe winds, flooding, and long power outages that affected communities islandwide, including many of our Christel House Jamaica families. 

To understand the extent of the impact and how best to support those affected, CHJ conducted a Family Impact Survey. The results showed just how hard our community was hit: 57% of families reported they did not have access to food, 86% were without running water, 52% had no electricity, and 51% experienced damage to their homes.

The most common issues were leaking or damaged roofs, flooding that soaked furniture and personal items, and fallen trees that destroyed fences, kitchens, and outdoor structures. Several families had to relocate within their homes or seek temporary shelter to stay dry and safe. Two CHJ staff members were severely impacted, and one lost their home entirely. 

With these urgent needs identified, Christel House moved quickly into action. Staff volunteers assembled care packages for affected student families and staff members, ensuring support reached those who needed it most. 

Christel House also extended help beyond our campus. A small team visited Green Pond High School in Montego Bay, St. James, and delivered essential relief items through Principal Oraine Ebanks for their students and staff. At the same time, several CHJ parents and team members volunteered with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to pack care packages for families in the west who were facing severe hardship. 

Hurricane Melissa brought challenges, but it also revealed the steady support within our school community, with staff, parents, and students showing up for each other and others affected.