By ADF Newsdesk –

As communities in Jamaica continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, local organisations in Kirklees have stepped up relief efforts to assist those affected.

Community Support in Kirklees

Members of the Jamaican diaspora across Kirklees are mobilising to support the relief efforts. Two local centres will be accepting donations for the Phase 1 Collection this week:

• Rawthorpe Community Centre
  129 Brownroyd Avenue, Rawthorpe, Huddersfield HD5 9QA
  Open: Monday 3rd November – Wednesday 5th November
  Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Hudawi Cultural Centre
  Huddersfield HD1 6BG
  Open: Tuesday 4th November – Wednesday 5th November
  Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Organisers are urging community members to focus on the specific items listed on the Jamaican government’s official needs list to ensure donations meet the most urgent requirements on the ground. Representatives are looking for the following items in particular:

• Non-perishable food items (tinned food, rice, instant noodles, sugar, Forsip Nourishment)
• Solar lights
• Battery-powered lights/flashlights
• Solar radios
• Hygiene products
• Mosquito repellant

Official Government Relief and Grant Assistance

The Government of Jamaica has released an official needs list to guide donations and relief efforts, available on their national support website: supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs.

The list outlines the priority items required for Phase 1 relief, including non-perishable food, medical supplies, and basic hygiene materials.

To support homeowners directly impacted by the hurricane, the government has also launched a Hurricane Grant Programme, allocating over JMD $1 billion toward reconstruction, restoration, and relocation efforts.

Grant categories include:

• Minor Damage: Up to JMD $50,000
• Severe Damage: Up to JMD $150,000
• Total Destruction: Up to JMD $400,000

To qualify, homeowners must provide proof of property ownership and damage assessment reports, as well as photographic evidence of the damage.

Applications can be submitted through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which is coordinating the distribution of funds and resources.

In addition, the National Housing Trust (NHT) has announced two major forms of support:

• A special mortgage moratorium for contributors and mortgagors affected by the hurricane.
• A Home Improvement Loan offering up to JMD $1.5 million per collateral to assist with essential roof and structural repairs.

How You Can Help

Anyone wishing to contribute is encouraged to:

1. Check the official needs list for required items.
2. Deliver donations to one of the Kirklees drop-off points before the collection deadline on Thursday, 6th November.
3. Share accurate information and avoid duplicate or unverified relief campaigns.

With coordinated local action and structured national support, these combined efforts aim to help families rebuild and recover in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.