As part of Friends of Jamaica Peace Corps Association’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, FOJ supported emergency supply deliveries to Bluefields, a rural area located approximately ten miles from the storm’s eye and left severely damaged.
Due to limited access and the scale of destruction, traditional aid organizations have been unable to consistently reach some of the most affected communities. Through a trusted local contact, FOJ was able to support direct, community-led delivery of essential supplies to areas otherwise difficult to access.
Local Delivery and Oversight
FOJ worked through Heidi Savory, an archaeologist and trusted local partner with the ability to reach rural and remote areas — including traveling on foot where necessary. Supplies were purchased in Kingston and transported directly to Bluefields.
To date, six delivery trips have been completed.
Supplies Delivered
Funds were used to purchase and distribute a range of urgently needed items, including:
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Food and drinking water
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Seeds for food recovery (kale, callaloo, eggplant, tomato, okra, corn, and cabbage)
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Tools and building materials (axes, hammers, nails, screws, tarps, gloves, saws, machetes, and related supplies)
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Solar lighting, including solar street lights and portable work lights
Solar lighting was identified as a critical need, as power remains unreliable in many areas. These lights help improve safety and mobility at night, particularly in communities still navigating storm damage and limited infrastructure.
Purchasing and Costs
Supplies were sourced locally from vendors including SuperValu, DWorld, PriceSmart, and True Value. All costs were recorded in Jamaican dollars and documented through itemized receipts.
This project reflects FOJ’s commitment to flexible, community-informed response during emergencies — prioritizing access, accountability, and real-time needs on the ground.