WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Determined to make a lasting impression on the lives of Hurricane Melissa victims selected to receive modular homes, Operation Shelter Jamaica (OSJ) will also include an architectural plan that can be used expand the tiny homes. The private-sector led philanthropic initiative will also help with furniture.

“Sometimes it is not just about money. It is about caring for people and it’s about creating relationships and looking after one another,” Operation Shelter Jamaica lead and renowned architect, Isiaa Madden told the Jamaica Observer.

OSJ intends to provide three homes in Hanover, 11 in St James, and 36 in Westmoreland. Twenty-two of 50 homes purchased have already been installed. The 10 x 20-feet units are made from prefabricated, steel-framed aluminium, and they are hurricane-resistant.

The goal is to provide tiny homes to western Jamaica’s most vulnerable storm victims. This includes low-income families, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and single-parent households. Priority is being given to households with complete loss of shelter.

Three units were delivered to grateful recipients in Westmoreland last Friday. Among them were Oswald Johnson of Fustic Grove, and Paula Laing of Farm, both of whom have endured tremendous hardship but remain optimistic about the future.

Johnson, an animal farmer who lives alone, will celebrate his 80th birthday later this year. He lost most of his livestock during the storm and is now hoping to rebuild and expand his farming operation. Reflecting on the terrifying experience, Johnson recalled narrowly escaping disaster during the Category 5 storm’s passage on October 28, 2025. He thought the storm had ended when the eye passed overhead and sunlight suddenly appeared.

Tiny home recipient Natasha Tomlinson (right) with Operation Shelter Jamaica lead Isiaa Madden (centre) and Jerome Bacchas, councillor for the Darliston Division in Westmoreland.

“Mi check say it did done cause the sun come out,” he told the Sunday Observer.

Moments later, the powerful winds returned with devastating force. By remaining still on his bed he managed to survive as the storm tore his house apart. On Friday, he expressed profound appreciation for the support he has received through OSJ and its partners.

For Paula Laing, the journey has been equally challenging. She shared an emotional story about the small bar that ultimately saved the lives of her and her family.

The wooden structure had previously been damaged by a fire during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and initially she had no intention of rebuilding it. Her family convinced her otherwise.

“Is a lucky thing mi do it. This is where all seven of us come shelter during the storm. All of us lose we house. If di bar neva deh here so, dem woulda find all a wi days later inna di morass. We all live her for seven weeks after the storm,” she said.

Operation Shelter Jamaica (OSJ) lead Isiaa Madden (third left) and members of her OSJ team mark the moment they hand Paula Laing (fourth left) the key to her modular home. They are joined by councillor for the Whitehouse Division, Michael Jackson (left). The other members of the OSJ team are Lisa Stiebel (second left); Shawn Escoffery (centre), CEO of the Roy and Patricia Disney Foundation which played a major role in funding the initiative; Violet Lewis (sixth left) of the Lennox Lewis Foundation, which is integral to OSJ’s operations; former senator and Isiaa’s mother Janet Madden (seventh left), Carissa Reid (right); and Maurice Grey (second right). Stooping in the front is Mary Phillips. (Photos: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Laing also spoke about her 27-year-old daughter who lives with cerebral palsy. Four years ago, doctors recommended that she be placed in a care facility as Laing could no longer physically manage her care alone.

Looking back on the storm’s aftermath, Laing believes divine intervention protected them both.

“If she did deh here, both a we woulda dead because if she not in her familiar setting she could not cope. I would have to be up there with her, and the house drop down flat, so God know weh him a do,” Laing said.

Johnson and Laing are only two of those still without shelter in eastern Westmoreland, seven months after the storm. Councillor Michael Jackson, who represents the Whitehouse Division, puts the number at more than 1,000, and he says many of them are elderly. He has welcomed last Friday’s donation of tiny homes.

“Without private donors like Operation Shelter Jamaica there would be more homeless persons in the area,” said Jackson.

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