An appeal launched by the United Reformed Church to help bring relief to Jamaican communities devasted by Hurricane Melissa has topped more than £42,000.
The hurricane struck the island on 28 October with 185mph winds, ripping the roofs off 120,000 structures and affecting 90,000 families. Homes, hospitals and infrastructure were destroyed.
Church communities and family and friends of Jamaica from across the URC sprang into action, helping to raise vital funds to aid the recovery process. Initially, more than £16,000 was raised which was match funded by the United Reformed Church. A further £10,000 was raised through Commitment for Life, the URC’s world justice programme.
Karen Campbell, the URC’s Head of Global and Intercultural Church, said: “I am delighted by the URC’s response. Our siblings in Jamaica have been facing untold struggles: lack of clean water, lack of shelter, food shortages, power outage, outbreak of disease, the list goes on. The eyes of the world move on so quickly, even while the struggles remain – so it is truly appreciated that URC members and congregations continue to offer their support.
“These funds will bolster the partnerships between local churches and community groups to support the Jamaican people and ensure that relief and rebuilding efforts continue to be as effective as possible. The URC contribution is much needed and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all who have contributed.”
The funds raised will be donated to the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) which is taking direct steps to repair more than 50 churches struck by Hurricane Melissa and responding to the needs of their respective communities.
“Of that 50,” said the Revd Dr Gordon Cowans, former Moderator of the (UCJCI), “some eight of the church buildings have been wrecked by a storm that exuded a power like we have never seen before.
“Because of the nature of our church’s ministry and mission, with our concentration on community building and development, we immediately recognise that for every destroyed or severely damaged church building, there is probably, in the surrounding community, another 100 housing units which in some way, shape or form has been damaged.
“Quite frankly the extent of devastation in the third of the island in which this hurricane was focused is at levels unprecedented. The recovery process is set to be long and arduous.”
This short video shows the impact on UCJCI churches:
The UCJCI also reports that many children in affected areas have been unable to return to school and families remain displaced. In terms of practicalities, Dr Cowans reported that the UCJCI is in need of two or three utility-type vehicles to facilitate the continued logistics work and materials to repair homes and buildings, as well as providing necessities to families.
Considering ongoing needs, the URC’s appeal remains open for donations.
If you would like to contribute, donations can be made:
By visiting the appeal’s GoFundMe page, or by cheque. Please make cheques payable to the URC Trust and post to Commitment for Life, United Reformed Church House, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT, with the reference “CFL Jamaica Appeal” clearly marked.
Direct bank transfers can be made to the URC Trust using the same reference. The details are:
Account name: United Reformed Church Trust
Sort Code: 40-05-03
Number: 01191802
Please let Suzanne Pearson, Commitment for Life Programme Assistant, know when a donation has been made so thanks can be expressed to you or your congregation. You can contact Suzanne by email at [email protected].
Alternatively scan this QR code.
Credit: World Central Kitchen/Flickr/CC BY 4.0