CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s been over a fortnight since Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury on Jamaica, leaving devastation in its wake.
For those who managed to survive the storm, the situation has unfortunately not improved significantly. Many are finding that the only thing to have become clearer is the immense scale of the help that is needed.
This coming weekend, a fundraiser will take place on Chicago’s North Side, aimed at providing assistance to Jamaican families who find themselves in dire circumstances.
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Jilicia Simms, a nurse from the Chicago area, recently returned from Jamaica and shared her harrowing experience of being trapped in a hotel while the hurricane raged outside.
“The water just kept coming in, and you could hear the wind forcefully ‘whoosh,’” Simms recounted. “I’ve been through Hurricane Ivan before, and this was nothing like Ivan.”
Simms had traveled to Jamaica with her family to attend her aunt’s funeral. In the aftermath of the hurricane, they attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to deliver baby supplies to relatives in St. Elizabeth.
From the suburbs, she is trying to help send what she can to help relatives without roofs and the basics.
“It’s just scary. Jamaica is definitely not okay,” Simms said. “People are in need of food, bedding, clothing.”
In Rogers Park, the owners of an event space are donating Seven Star Venue for a fundraiser for Jamaican families Saturday evening.
“It’s really troubling to see the condition they are living in,” said Lenice Levy Seven Star Venue Operations Director. “We’ve always been taught if you can do something do it and that’s what we are doing just to help
The Chicago Hurricane Relief Coalition is coordinating getting funds and supplies to Jamaicans in need.
“It’s heart wrenching to see what’s happening down there, and hear people scream for just basic water,” said Dennis Sutherland with the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program, who has organized a GoFundMe page.
Organizers said the DJs and restaurants are all donating their services at Saturday’s fundraiser as well so that all proceeds go to Jamaica.
“Remember they lost all they have,” Sutherland said. “Generators, phones, clothes no perishable foods batteries flashlights just about everything.”
All are welcome to the party that begins at 3 p.m. Saturday at 2017 W. Howard St. The cost will be $20 at the door, and they welcome any additional donations. Party starts at 3:00 tomorrow and goes .. until the DJs stop spinning.
