Woman Ignite Foundation helps five single mothers rebuild after Hurricane Melissa

Months after Hurricane Melissa disappeared from the headlines, its impact remains a daily reality for many Jamaican families. 

For five single mothers still struggling to rebuild their homes and restore stability for their children, hope arrived in a tangible way last week as the Woman Ignite Foundation (WIF) implemented the first phase of its Brick by Brick Rebuild Initiative, providing direct financial assistance and essential support to help them take the next step towards recovery.

The initiative is made possible through the generosity of charitable partners and donors, including proceeds from the Woman Ignite Success Summit (WISS) 2026, Apostle Stephanie Ike Okafor, who served as a Power Speaker at WISS 2026, GraceKennedy General Insurance (GKGI), and Open Door Jamaica.

During the first phase, beneficiaries Janet Stone (Montego Bay), Asleka Campbell (Montego Bay), Ann Marie Allen(Montego Bay), Natesha Virgo (St. Elizabeth), and Shelly-Ann Legg (Negril) each
received J$160,000 in direct financial assistance, with additional support provided through household appliances and essential supplies based on individual needs. While each woman’s journey is unique, they share a common reality—rebuilding their homes while striving to provide safety, stability, and hope for their families. Their stories reflect the resilience of countless Jamaican women who continue to recover long after Hurricane Melissa left the headlines.

“The Brick by Brick Rebuild Initiative was born out of the understanding that recovery doesn’t end when the storm passes,” said Keneshia Nooks-Blake, Founder of the Woman Ignite Foundation.

“When the media coverage ends and emergency response teams move on, many families are still living with damaged roofs, unsafe conditions, and the emotional weight of starting over. Some of these women had received little to no tangible support since the hurricane. Through this initiative, we want them to know they have not been forgotten. Every act of generosity helps restore not just a house, but dignity, stability, and hope for a family.”

The Foundation is now preparing the second phase of the Brick by Brick Rebuild Initiative, which will provide building materials and other critical resources to help beneficiaries repair and restore their homes before the peak of the hurricane season.

“Over the past several months, our team has conducted detailed assessments of each property to understand the extent of the damage, identify each family’s most urgent needs, and determine how we can provide the greatest level of support,” Nooks-Blake explained. “Our goal is not simply to provide assistance, but to walk alongside these women as they rebuild their homes and begin restoring their lives.”