FIVE months after Hurricane Melissa devastated communities across mainly south-western communities in Jamaica recovery efforts on the ground remain urgent and BossMom Builds is continuing to turn compassion into action.

The charitable initiative, founded by Jamaican entrepreneur and Food For the Poor Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Gordon, has exceeded its initial $10-million goal set in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane and has now officially surpassed its $30-million fund-raising target.

In direct response to the disaster, BossMom Builds — working in partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica and the URGE Foundation — is delivering 20 new houses for families displaced by the hurricane and will be fostering the repair of 50 roofs across affected communities.

These efforts bring the initiative’s total impact to 32 homes constructed since 2022, underscoring a sustained commitment to rebuilding lives beyond the immediate crisis.

“We asked, and many people helped so we are able to build more,” said Gordon. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us rebuild homes, restore hope, and keep our mothers and children safe,” added Gordon.

BossMom Builds is the philanthropic arm of the BossMom Network, a collective of entrepreneurial mothers united by a shared motto, ‘When women thrive, families thrive’. It is rooted in the idea that women who have succeeded in business can help provide other mothers with the most essential foundation of all — a safe, stable home.

From its earliest builds the initiative has received support from global and regional partners.

Reggae icon Ziggy Marley and Orly Marley of the URGE Foundation have played a key role in mobilising resources and rallying international support, particularly in the wake of the hurricane.

International country music star Kenny Chesney is also among the prominent supporters whose long-standing connection to the Caribbean have translated into meaningful philanthropic contributions to the campaign.

Corporate and media partners, including GraceKennedy, Ford Motor Company, the FirstRock Foundation, and Arizona’s Family TV station, have further amplified the initiative’s reach and impact.

“Partnerships like this remind us that we are stronger together,” said Marsha Burrell-Rose, marketing and public relations manager at Food For the Poor Jamaica.

“BossMom Builds, the URGE Foundation, and Food For the Poor are combining faith, purpose, and action to rebuild communities and restore lives across Jamaica. This is compassion in motion,” added Burrell-Rose.

Each home delivered through BossMom Builds is fully furnished and move-in ready, equipped with essential amenities including furniture, a gas stove, indoor sanitation, solar-powered lighting, water storage, kitchen supplies, and food items.

“These homes are symbols of hope and opportunity for families striving for a better future,” said Gordon as she pointed out that while significant progress has been made, the need across western Jamaica remains.

She said BossMom Builds has since expanded its campaign goals to reach even more families still in need of safe housing.

The organisation is calling on individuals, corporate partners, and members of the Diaspora to contribute to ongoing rebuilding efforts. Contributions can be made directly through Food For the Poor Jamaica, with all funds tracked and designated exclusively to BossMom Builds initiatives.

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Marsha Burrell-Rose (left), marketing and public relations manager at Food For the Poor, receives a cheque from founder of BossMom Builds Michelle Gordon, towards Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.