Spirit At The Beach

Urgent Call For Assistance

Many of the people we serve have had their lives literally blown apart.  In the wake of Hurricane Melissa they have no income, ravaged businesses and damaged homes.  Already at the bottom of the economic food chain, the only resource for most is their resilient, Jamaican Spirit.  These are the beach vendors, street vendors, massage therapists, roadside barrel cooks ~ All those folks who make your beach vacation a little 'extra.'  They bring you fruit and jewelry and carvings; massage away your stress to the sound of the surf; deliver fresh fruits and mouth watering lobster, straight to your chaise, on the sand. 

These are the people we're helping.  They are the people for whom 'big help' is still weeks, if not months away. They need help and they need hope.  Spirit At The Beach Foundation is working tirelessly to deliver both.

We are here to mind the gap until the large relief agencies arrive, which may yet be weeks; until the tourist trade returns; until folks have some foundation upon which to stand and move on from.

We are calling for you to open your wallets today, tomorrow and the next day. This recovery will be a marathon. 

Many of these people will be without power and some water, for months.  We are determined to help ease their suffering as they find their way forward.  As we currently assess the situation, we need to raise a minimum of $250,000 to continue lifting this community over the coming months.  The heartbreak is real.  Please help us continue to help.

PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN.  YOUR ONE-TIME DONATION OF EVEN $10 WILL CHANGE A LIFE.  SUSTAINED, MONTHLY DONATIONS WILL HELP BRING PEOPLE THROUGH THE LONG HAUL.  ANYTHING YOU CAN GIVE WILL HELP CHANGE SOMEONE'S EXPERIENCE AND IS MOST APPRECIATED. PLEASE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND SHARING THIS LINK WITH OTHERS.

Money Facts - What We're Doing

• Within roughly 48 hours from the time a donation is made someone is receiving the most urgently needed relief - Cash, groceries, petrol, building supplies. Thousands in food has gone to local families. We've helped purchase mattresses, tarps, zinc, medication and provided emergency funds.

• We are acting as a conduit for direct donations from donors to specific vendors. Many don't have bank accounts. Western Union and others are a nightmare, if they're open. Through our donation portal we can receive funds and pass them on quickly.

• We are providing the opportunity for donors to Sponsor the entire recovery of some of our most vulnerable vendors. Become a Sponsor and give someone the comfort and security of knowing they will be able to rebuild what they've lost.

• We're working on getting space donated as a temporary Makers' Space. So many lost their entire inventory. People need a place to create something positive while they crawl out of the rubble. If they can make jewelry, even a few hours per week, in preparation for the season, it's easier to hang on to hope.

• Within weeks teachers will be able to list what they need for themselves and their students, giving donors the ability to directly match giving with need by Adopting A Classroom or an entire school