Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica in late October as the most powerful storm to directly impact the island. The Category 5 hurricane brought sustained winds of 185 mph, causing widespread destruction across multiple parishes. At least 45 people lost their lives, more than $130 million in infrastructure was damaged, and approximately 90,000 individuals were displaced, prompting a national disaster declaration.

BBF provided a grant to Cross Catholic Outreach to support recovery efforts. The funding helped deliver essential medical supplies and resources to vulnerable communities in Montego Bay, where local partners continue to work to meet both immediate and ongoing needs.

Through this support, Cross Catholic Outreach is assisting the Compassionate Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, who operate a mission center that includes a health clinic, hospice care, and an elderly home serving patients with complex medical needs. Despite the widespread impact of the storm, the sisters have maintained operations, continuing to provide medical and dental care to individuals and families with limited access to healthcare.

Grant funding has been used to procure essential medications and medical supplies identified by the sisters as most urgently needed. These include antibiotics, pain relievers, vitamins, topical treatments, and basic medical equipment such as bandages, syringes, and thermometers. The supplies are intended to address increased demand following the storm, as local resources remain strained.

Due to strict government regulations surrounding pharmaceutical imports, the shipment of these materials is currently pending approval. Once cleared, the supplies will be transported to Jamaica, where they are expected to provide critical support to the clinic’s daily operations and expand the sisters’ ability to care for those still recovering from the storm’s impact.

While emergency response efforts have moved out of the public spotlight, needs across affected communities remain significant. Recovery in many areas continues at a slower pace, particularly for individuals with limited access to resources. BBF’s grant helps bridge the gap, ensuring that essential care reaches those who may otherwise face delays in receiving support.

“Cross Catholic Outreach, on behalf of the Compassionate Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and the Diocese of Mandeville, expresses sincere gratitude to the Brother’s Brother Foundation for this timely grant award. Your partnership at this critical moment provided meaningful support to local partners, aiding in their recovery from the historic devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. We are grateful for your generosity and your continued commitment to this work.”