Rebuild initiative donates to mothers still recovering from hurricane

Months after Hurricane Melissa faded from the headlines, its effects remain a daily reality for many Jamaican families.
For five single mothers still struggling to rebuild their homes and restore stability for their children, relief arrived last month. The Woman Ignite Foundation (WIF) launched the first phase of its Brick by Brick Rebuild Initiative, providing financial assistance and practical support to help families recover.
The programme is funded by charitable partners and donors, including proceeds from the Woman Ignite Success Summit (WISS) 2026, Apostle Stephanie Ike Okafor, a featured speaker at the event, GraceKennedy General Insurance, and Open Door Jamaica.
Under the initiative’s first phase, Janet Stone, Asleka Campbell, and Ann Marie Allen of St James, Natesha Virgo of St Elizabeth, and Shelly-Ann Legg of Westmoreland each received $160,000 in direct assistance. Additional support, including household appliances and essential supplies, was tailored to individual needs.
Though their circumstances differ, the women share a common challenge: rebuilding damaged homes while trying to provide safety, stability, and hope for their families. Their experiences mirror those of many Jamaicans still grappling with the long aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
“The Brick by Brick Rebuild Initiative was born out of the understanding that recovery doesn’t end when the storm passes,” said Keneshia Nooks-Blake, founder of the Woman Ignite Foundation.
“When the media coverage ends and emergency response teams move on, many families are still living with damaged roofs, unsafe conditions, and the emotional weight of starting over. Some of these women had received little to no tangible support since the hurricane. Through this initiative, we want them to know they have not been forgotten. Every act of generosity helps restore not just a house, but dignity, stability, and hope for a family.”
The foundation is now preparing the initiative’s second phase, which will provide building materials and other resources to help beneficiaries repair their homes before the height of the hurricane season.
“Over the past several months, our team has conducted detailed assessments of each property to understand the extent of the damage, identify each family’s most urgent needs, and determine how we can provide the greatest level of support,” Nooks-Blake said.
“Our goal is not simply to provide assistance but to walk alongside these women as they rebuild their homes and begin restoring their lives.”
Apostle Stephanie Ike Okafor, whose contribution helped fund the programme’s first phase, announced her commitment during a visit to Jamaica as a keynote speaker at WISS 2026.
Her support underscores the importance of pairing compassion with practical assistance long after a disaster has passed.
“Hurricane Melissa brought such devastation, and, for some, a sense of hopelessness, but I want to encourage you that there is hope. There are people that the Lord Jesus has placed it on their hearts not just to come with words but also in deed ... we’re bringing relief to some families, financial relief, and I’m really excited about that,” Okafor said ahead of the initiative’s launch.
Janet Stone, whose home lost its roof during the hurricane, expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“The help wasn’t there much all these years, and for me to be getting some assistance now, it feels good, but at the same time, it makes me a bit humble,” she said.