Kingston, Jamaica — 23 January 2026
More than 170 churches across Jamaica have applied for government-funded repair grants following widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, drawing renewed attention to the role religious buildings play in the country’s housing resilience, disaster response, and community infrastructure.
The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica on 28 October, bringing sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour and intense rainfall that triggered flooding and landslides, particularly across the south-western parishes. Roads, bridges, homes, and community buildings were damaged or destroyed, with tens of thousands displaced in the immediate aftermath.
In response, the Government introduced a Church Clean-Up and Restoration programme, administered through the Social Development Commission (SDC), allocating JMD$75 million to assist with minor repairs to damaged church buildings. These funds are intended to support cleaning, roof repairs, and the replacement of doors an…
