Our PEARLS and the South Florida chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators are teaming up to support the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, St. Vincent, and Carriacou, Grenada after the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. The hurricane left a trail of destruction, with tens of thousands of homes destroyed, at least 11 lives lost, and over half a billion dollars in damages. Many communities are still grappling with limited access to clean water, proper sanitation, and electricity.
Our joint initiative aims to provide immediate relief as well as long-term resilience and empowerment to these affected communities. In Jamaica, we are focused on providing students with stocked backpacks and technology tools, distributing food items, and setting up a Community Closet for clothing and shoes. In St. Vincent, our efforts include distributing hygiene kits, nutritional supplements, medical supplies, and supporting schools. In Carriacou, our initiative involves providing relief care packages, offering micro-grants for female entrepreneurs, and deploying public administrators for advisory and volunteer services on-site.
These efforts align with several United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals including No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Strategic alliances with organizations such as the National Education Trust, the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, and 4-H Jamaica are crucial for effective disaster response and capacity building. Support from individuals through donations, volunteering, and spreading the word is vital to the success of this initiative.
In the face of such immense challenge, your support can make a real difference. Please consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about our initiative. Every contribution, whether big or small, is valuable in helping these communities recover and rebuild. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and provide hope for a better future for our neighbors in the Caribbean.
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