Relief for Jamaica
Post Hurricane Melissa, The Jamaica Relief Collective delivers aid through the trusted, island-wide network of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists, including Jamaica Union (JAMU) Food Bank, ADRA Jamaica, and The Good Samaritan Inn (GSI). We ensure immediate relief reaches the most severely affected parishes (St. James, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Ann, St. Mary, and Hanover), focusing on: Emergency Food, Safe Water, Hygiene Kits, and Temporary Shelter Materials.
Impact & Results
3,950 Hurricane Relief Food Packages Delivered
3,000+ cooked hot meals.
Parishes Served: St. James, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Manchester.
We are immediately raising funds to scale this effort to enable daily distribution.
Collective Action
Make an impact today
Food remains the number one priority for relief efforts in Jamaica. Each emergency food package costs ~$22 USD. Your donation today helps us prepare Emergency Food, Safe Water, Hygiene Kits, and Temporary Shelter Materials.
Leveraging a Trusted, Island-Wide Network
Our strength is in our structure. The Jamaica Relief Collective is a philanthropic effort that leverages the established and trusted infrastructure of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the largest denomination in Jamaica.
The Power of The Network
Jamaica Union Structure: Encompasses five Conferences, 750 Churches, 250 Pastoral Districts, and a Membership of 340,000.
Logistics & Intelligence: Provides real-time information from members on the ground regarding safe roads, impassable terrain, and exact community needs.
Partnerships: Direct access to ADRA Jamaica, The Jamaica Union Food Bank, and The Good Samaritan Inn (GSI) allows for large-scale intake, processing, and housing of bulk material donations.
What This Means for Distribution
Efficient Delivery: The network provides pre-vetted, local distribution points (churches) that are often the first accessible structures after a disaster.'
Maximum Reach: Ensures aid bypasses congested ports and damaged infrastructure to reach isolated communities quickly and safely.
Accountability: Funds and supplies are managed by proven, trusted local leadership.
Our Leadership
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Pastor Levi Johnson
PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The Jamaica Relief Collective; Vice President and Executive Secretary of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-Day Adventists; Chair of ADRA Jamaica; Chair of JAMU Food Bank.
The ultimate authority for the Collective, responsible for the coordination, oversight, and executive execution of all on-the-ground relief efforts across Jamaica.
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Kim Hutchinson Williams
VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, The Jamaica Relief Collective.
Responsible for the overall vision, strategy, and accountability of the Collective, while directing outreach, strategic partnerships, and donor communications. -
Marshé Hutchinson
DIRECTOR & SECRETARY, The Jamaica Relief Collective.
Responsible for managing official correspondence, maintaining organizational records, and supporting internal administrative functions.
What do communities need immediately?
While safe food and water are always the top priority, the focus quickly shifts to securing safety, sanitation, and health. Donations are critical to providing the following essential, non-perishable items:
1. Sanitation and Hygiene
Hygiene Kits: Soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, diapers (infant and adult), baby wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste.
Cleaning Supplies: Bleach (unscented for disinfection), disinfectant wipes, heavy-duty garbage bags, and plastic ties.
Safe Water Handling: Water purification tablets, portable filters, and clean storage containers.
2. Shelter and Safety
Temporary Shelter/Repair: Tarpaulins/plastic sheeting, duct tape, rope, and basic tools (hammers, nails, heavy-duty work gloves).
Lighting & Power: Generators, flashlights, hand-crank lanterns, and essential batteries. Note: We strongly discourage the use of candles due to fire hazards.
First Aid: Comprehensive first aid kits, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and pain relievers.
3. Health and Medical
Medications: A several-week supply of all critical prescription medications.
Over-the-Counter: Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and vitamins.
Special Needs: Infant formula, specialized food, bottles, and adult diapers.
4. Communication and Information
Devices: Battery-powered or hand-crank radios and extra batteries.
Charging: Portable power banks, chargers, generators, and fuel.
Urgent Need: Starlink kits for reliable satellite communication.
5. Comfort and Care
Rest and Warmth: Blankets, sleeping bags, and clean towels.
Clothing & Shoes: New undergarments, socks, and complete changes of durable clothing and shoes.
Children’s Items: Simple books, coloring books, crayons, and small, non-electric toys/games.
6. Farming Tools & Long-Term Recovery
Structural Repair: Zinc Nails (essential for rebuilding roofs and farm structures).
Future Food Security: Agricultural Seeds and Seedlings (for replanting essential crops).
Your Questions,
Answered
How can people and organizations offer support with bulk supplies?
We actively welcome large-scale, bulk donations from organizations, corporations, and community groups.
To ensure efficient logistics and customs clearance, all bulk supply efforts must be coordinated directly through our partner infrastructure.
Please coordinate with us before shipping: We utilize the intake capacity of organizations like The Good Samaritan Inn in Kingston. Bulk supplies can be processed for transport via cargo plane (into Kingston) or boat shipping (from ports like Miami). Contact the team directly to ensure your supplies are properly routed, received, and distributed immediately upon arrival.
How can I contact the team directly on the ground?
We ensure direct contact with our leadership overseeing the distribution efforts:
Kim Hutchinson Williams, Vice President
Marshé Hutchinson, Secretary
Reach us at hello@jamaicareliefcollective.org
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all contributions are tax-deductible.
The Jamaica Relief Collective has filed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organization status with our EIN# 41-2773715, ensuring your gift qualifies as a charitable donation under U.S. law. You will receive an official receipt for your records immediately.
Accountability is paramount: To confirm fiscal integrity, all funds handled by our operational partners on the ground in Jamaica (The Jamaica Union, The Food Bank, The Good Samaritan Inn, and ADRA) are audited by independent, external auditors.