Executive Summary

Relief & Recovery Support for Seniors Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Fiscal Year 2025–2026

1. Organization Overview

Faith Angels for Seniors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable seniors across Jamaica. Our mission is to ensure that seniors, especially those living alone, with mobility challenges, or in underserved communities, receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, seniors have emerged as one of the most severely impacted groups. Many lost their homes, essential belongings, medical supplies, and access to food and clean water. Faith Angels was created to respond directly to these needs by providing rapid emergency relief, rebuilding support, and ongoing wellness services.

2. The Problem

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction across St. James and surrounding parishes. Seniors face disproportionately high risks during disasters due to:

  • Limited mobility and inability to evacuate quickly
  • Chronic health conditions requiring consistent care
  • Living alone without family support
  • Fragile housing structures prone to storm damage
  • Inadequate access to food, water, and medication
  • Loss of essential items (bedding, hygiene, mobility aids)
  • Emotional trauma and isolation

Senior living homes were also affected—experiencing flooding, roof damage, food shortages, and equipment losses. Without intervention, these challenges escalate into severe health deterioration, unsafe living conditions, and long-term displacement.

Faith Angels for Seniors exists to help fill these critical gaps.

3. Program Goal

To provide comprehensive emergency relief, care, and long-term recovery support to seniors impacted by Hurricane Melissa and future crises.

4. Program Objectives (12-Month)

Faith Angels will strive to:

  • Provide emergency supplies to at least 1,000 seniors.
  • Deliver hot meals and clean water to 500 seniors monthly.
  • Repair or rebuild 40 senior homes damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
  • Support 10+ senior living facilities with essential items and structural repairs.
  • Distribute 200 mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes).
  • Implement a community outreach & wellness program serving 500+ seniors.

5. Program Activities

A. Emergency Relief & Rapid Response

  • Distribution of food, water, hygiene kits, bedding, and medical supplies
  • Mobility aid support (walkers, wheelchairs, canes)
  • Home safety assessments and debris removal
  • Emergency transportation to safe shelters

B. Senior Living Home Support

  • Donations of hospital beds, adult diapers, linens, and medical equipment
  • Infrastructure repairs: roofs, flooring, plumbing, kitchens
  • Volunteer training and caregiver support

C. Community Outreach & Wellness

  • Weekly check-ins for isolated seniors
  • Hot meal delivery program (“Meals of Love”)
  • Health screening clinics and mobile nurse visits
  • Emotional and spiritual care

D. Rebuilding & Long-Term Recovery

  • Roof repair, window replacement, and structural improvements
  • Household replacement grants for destroyed items
  • Support for rebuilding damaged senior care facilities

E. Donor Engagement & Tracking

  • Drop-off points in Florida, Georgia, and Mississauga
  • Full tracking of donated items
  • Secure tracking and processing of financial donations
  • Tax receipts available for qualifying donations

6. Expected Impact

Short-Term (0–12 months)

  • Seniors receive immediate food, water, bedding, and medication.
  • Safer homes and facilities through rapid repairs.
  • Reduced hunger, dehydration, and safety risks.
  • Restored mobility and independence through equipment donations.

Long-Term (1–3 years)

  • Seniors regain stable housing and healthier living conditions.
  • Repaired facilities create more resilient care environments.
  • Reduced isolation through ongoing outreach.
  • Increased community capacity to respond to future disasters.

The project is designed to lift seniors from critical post-disaster vulnerability to sustainable well-being.

7. Organizational Capacity

Faith Angels is supported by a team with expertise in:

  • Senior care operations
  • Nursing home management
  • Emergency relief distribution
  • Health and wellness coordination
  • Donor engagement and volunteer mobilization
  • Home repair and rebuilding coordination

Strategic partnerships include: Local churches, community leaders, diaspora groups, medical practitioners, and licensed contractors.

8. Funding Request

Faith Angels seeks grant support to expand its relief and rebuilding programs, ensuring that seniors affected by Hurricane Melissa and future emergencies receive the care they desperately need.