Individuals, entities invited to adopt hurricane damaged homes across St James

The St James Municipal Corporation is embarking on an Adopt-a-House programme, which will invite individuals, corporate sponsors and civic partners to adopt, renovate and properly equip damaged homes across the municipality.

It will be supported by the Mayor’s Strategy Fund aimed at helping vulnerable residents rebuild and repair their homes following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing the monthly meeting of the corporation in Montego Bay on January 8, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, explained that the programme will match donors with specific projects, provide transparent reporting, and create opportunities for community involvement at every stage of the process.

He said that partnerships will also be forged with local contractors and social service agencies to ensure that the repairs are sustainable and meet the long-term needs of affected households.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to dignity, safety and independence for residents facing hardship,” the mayor said.

The mayor also issued a call for volunteers and donors to join the programme, noting that rebuilding efforts require a collective response to strengthen inclusion and community resilience.

He expressed gratitude to Fresh Bread Ministries, which has already volunteered to repair the roof of the Refuge of Hope emergency shelter, which was significantly damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Vernon further appealed to individuals, businesses and civic partners to increase their support, “so that the fund can assist even more afflicted residents across our communities”.

Meanwhile, the number of active shelters has been significantly reduced, moving from 60 to 11, while occupancy levels have declined from 426 persons to 33, representing a 92.3 per cent reduction.

These include facilities that were registered and pre-approved, as well as those that were converted into temporary shelters in the aftermath of the hurricane.

The Mayor’s Strategy Fund is expected to play a key role in transitioning residents out of emergency shelters and back into safe and secure homes as the recovery process continues.

- JIS News

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