November 14th, 2025 - Hurricane Melissa Causes Devastating Homelessness Across Jamaica

Sashoya Wynter and her family, including six children, have been living in what remains of a church in Brompton, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa destroyed their home and the nearby school where they had taken refuge during the storm. The family now sleeps and cooks in a dark, doorless cement storeroom, huddling together in fear. By day, Wynter’s younger siblings stand outside holding cardboard signs asking for food and water, while at night, she and her mother take turns keeping watch, terrified of possible attacks. “We are sleeping in fear,” Wynter said, acknowledging the emotional strain of living in a graveyard adjacent to the church grounds.

Two weeks after the storm, which killed at least 45 people, the full extent of the devastation is becoming clear. As emergency relief efforts intensify, the Jamaican government and international aid groups are grappling with the overwhelming task of providing food, water, and, most urgently, shelter for those left homeless. The country’s disaster preparedness system is struggling under the weight of the crisis, and officials have acknowledged that they will need international assistance to address the damage caused by the hurricane.

Hurricane Melissa left behind catastrophic damage, with approximately 146,000 buildings destroyed or severely damaged across the island, impacting about 90,000 families. The cost of the damage is estimated to be as high as $7 billion, a burden that the Jamaican government is not equipped to handle alone. While relief efforts are focused on providing immediate necessities, such as food and clean water, the long-term challenge will be rebuilding the homes of those who have lost everything. Experts agree that no government, especially a developing nation like Jamaica, can adequately respond to such a monumental disaster without the support of international aid.

Many families have resorted to makeshift shelters, with some covering their homes with tarps to protect against the elements. But the lack of formal structures is a major concern, especially with many schools, which would have been used as temporary shelters, also destroyed. Relief organizations, including the U.S. and Jamaican militaries, have been airlifting supplies to remote areas, but there is still no clear plan for providing stable housing for those displaced. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also facing a shortage of resources, and some have expressed concern that the current pace of aid distribution is not enough to meet the growing demand.

The situation is dire for those like Wynter’s family, who are living in the remnants of a building without basic amenities. In nearby communities, families are scavenging through debris to find building materials such as zinc and wood to create makeshift shelters. Many people are squatting in unfinished buildings or staying with relatives whose homes were less damaged. "We don’t have a choice," said Shanique Johnson, 36, who has taken refuge in her old high school with her family, using desks as makeshift beds. The conditions are unsanitary and stressful, and with the rainy season continuing, many fear the worst is yet to come.

Among the displaced, there are growing concerns about the future. Sherman Williams, a taxi driver in Whitehouse, has used salvaged wood and zinc to patch together a roof, but the house offers little protection from the elements. "I don’t think we can live long like this," he said, reflecting the fear that others share about the immediate challenges ahead. As the government and aid organizations continue to respond, the need for a coordinated, long-term housing solution is becoming increasingly urgent. The island’s survival may depend on how quickly and effectively resources can be mobilized to rebuild the lives of those left in the storm’s wake.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Heyday (noun, HAY-day) - Heyday refers to the period of one's greatest popularity, vigor, or prosperity. It is usually used in the singular.

Example: In its heyday, the circus was a major form of entertainment for the small town.

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