Broward nonprofit shifts Jamaica hurricane recovery to long-term rebuilding
A Broward County humanitarian nonprofit that has spent more than $10 million helping Jamaica recover following Hurricane Melissa announced this week that it is shifting its focus from emergency aid to long-term rebuilding.
Since the hurricane slammed western Jamaica on Oct. 28, Coconut Creek-based Food For The Poor had been helping families repair homes, restore livelihoods and regain stability.
Residents of Jamaican descent in Miramar and other Broward communities also have taken part in numerous food and medical supply drives to airlift goods to the island.
Now, across the island, recovery projects will center on health care, long-term housing, education, and restoring jobs and livelihoods.
FFTP is launching the Jamaica Rebuild Campaign, a multi-phase housing initiative designed to address long-term shelter needs. Initial plans include 50 new homes in the Petersfield area, pending final land approvals, with an additional 25 homes already funded.
“Every home rebuilt represents a family taking a step forward,” Ed Raine, president and CEO of Food For The Poor, said in a March 11 news release. “That is why we remain committed to Jamaica’s recovery beyond the initial emergency.”
The nonprofit said its new campaign begins with a $1 million seed phase expansion. Discussions are underway with major institutional, faith-based and international partners to further scale housing reconstruction, the group said.
Through June 30, donor gifts toward recovery efforts in Jamaica will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution.
So far, Food For The Poor has helped beekeepers in St. Elizabth Parish restart honey production after thousands of beehives were destroyed by the storm. Replacement hives and equipment have already allowed some farmers to resume harvesting.
Along the southern coast at Galleon Beach, repairs to fishing boats and engines have allowed fishermen to return to sea, restoring livelihoods and access to fresh food in local communities.
Before shifting gears, Food For The Poor said it delivered hundreds of shipments of relief supplies through local partners, including food, hygiene kits, medical support and building materials.
During its initial recovery effort, the organization also:
- Repaired 150 roofs and community structures
- Assisted more than 85,000 families storm-affected communities
- Delivered 214 ocean containers and 21 air shipments of relief supplies
