‘We just have to help each other’
Shelter manager reflects on challenges as hundreds sought refuge during Hurricane Melissa
CLARENDON, Jamaica — For two nights in a row, Althea “Tia” Brown barely slept. As one of the shelter managers in Hayes, Clarendon she was responsible for more than 300 evacuees, the largest group she has ever managed in her years of service.
“I was responsible for people from seven communities: Portland Cottage, Rocky Point, Corn Piece, Race Course, Top Hill, and Longwood,” Brown said, her voice weary but calm.
A teacher by profession, Brown initially managed up to 150 people with the help of her small team before additional help arrived. The original shelter was a community centre in Rocky Point, which began housing just nine people when the effects of Hurricane Melissa first started to be felt on Tuesday. However, worsening weather conditions later forced them to relocate to Vere Technical High School.
Despite finding safety, life in the shelter was far from easy. Brown admitted that tensions often ran high as frustration and fatigue took hold among the displaced residents.
“Whole heap a disrespect,” she recalled. “Although you try fi serve, whole heap a disrespect. Mi in a situation, mi sorry for myself but mi meet people mi sorry for too because persons in the shelter without legs and them cyaa help themselves, we haffi try fi stagger round with them.”
Still, she remained committed to serving, no matter how difficult things got.
“They test my faith and carry me right up to the edge,” she said. “But you know, you’re a Christian, you have to hold it.”
Brown’s dedication to service runs deep. Once homeless herself for over five months after Hurricane Beryl last year, she describes herself as a community builder and says she has helped in disaster response efforts since as far back as Hurricane Gilbert.
Brown, who has not been home since Sunday, said her work goes beyond duty, it’s personal.
“I would do this again, over and over,” she said.
As clean-up and recovery efforts continue across the island in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Brown remains hopeful yet realistic. For now, she says her focus is simply on ensuring those under her care have food, safety and a sense of community amid the ongoing uncertainty.
