Salvation Army responds to needs after Hurricane Dean

Salvation Army emergency disaster personnel in Jamaica are responding to the many needs left by Hurricane Dean. The storm heavily damaged The Nest, an orphanage and children’s home operated by The Salvation Army in Kingston. The Salvation Army’s School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (the only school for the blind in the country) also suffered damage.

Eastern Jamaica Division in Kingston has been serving 500 meals daily for distribution in shelters, and distributing food parcels to more than 1,000 people. Western Jamaica Division in Montego Bay is preparing assistance for similar numbers in rural areas. A convoy carrying relief supplies, including 500 meals prepared by The Salvation Army’s William Chamberlain Men’s Hostel and Rehabilitation Centre, headed into more volatile sections of Kingston. Captains Jonathan Kellman and Soerish Randjiet led the effort, supported by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, which provided transportation, and escorted by two patrols from the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

At one location, where the convoy had expected to serve 15 meals before moving on, 209 individuals were awaiting aid. The convoy distributed meals and supplies in the politically unstable Mountain View area, a neighbourhood which saw reports of gunfire even during the hurricane. Other areas served include Riverton and Bull Bay.

Relief supplies are being replenished daily as The Salvation Army continues to work with Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.