Relief for Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has inflicted unprecedented damage across Jamaica, overwhelming western and central parishes. Thousands of families are without necessities, clean water, or safe shelter.
The Jamaica Relief Collective delivers aid through the trusted, island-wide network of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-Day Adventists. 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.
Jamaican Partners: Jamaica Union of Seventh-Day Adventists, Jamaica Union (JAMU) Food Bank, ADRA, The Good Samaritan Inn.U.S. Partners: Jason Max Ferdinan Singers, Northern Caribbean University Alumni Federation
Action in Jamaica
Impact & Results
Last Updated November 5, 2025
Initial Distribution Date: October 31, 2025
Aid Distributed: 1,450 Emergency Food Bags and 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.
Make a donation
Every dollar you donate goes directly to securing essential supplies and delivering them to Jamaican families via our established, trusted island-wide network.
The Jamaica Relief Collective is a sponsored project of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are generally tax-deductible within the United States. You will receive an official receipt immediately after your donation for your records.
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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Dr. Vilroy R. McBean, Ph.D.,
CO-FOUNDER, The Jamaica Relief Collective; U.S. Ambassador for the Jamaica Union Food Bank; ADRA Board Member; Administrator for The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.
Responsible for the overall vision, strategy, and accountability of the collective.
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Kim Hutchinson Williams
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, The Jamaica Relief Collective; Design Executive.
Responsible for outreach, partnerships, and donor communications. -
Jason Max Ferdinand
ADVISOR & AMBASSADOR, The Jamaica Relief Collective; Distinguished Professor at University of Maryland, College Park; Distinguished Conductor of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.
Lends influence and network to expand the Collective's reach.
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Lillian Lodenquai
ADVISOR & AMBASSADOR, The Jamaica Relief Collective; Telecommunications Executive.
Lends influence and network to expand the Collective's reach.
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:
Dr. Vilroy R. McBean, Ph.D., Co-Founder
Kim Hutchinson Williams, Co-Founder
Reach us at hello@jamaicareliefcollective.org
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all contributions are tax-deductible.
The Jamaica Relief Collective is a sponsored project of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are generally tax-deductible within the United States. You will receive an official receipt immediately after your donation for your records.