Support Petersfield, Jamaica
Crisis Overview
On October 28, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica’s south-western coast as a Category 5 storm, bringing catastrophic winds and flooding that devastated communities across the entire island. Homes flattened. Roads washed out. Farms destroyed. Entire towns cut off from power, water, and medical care. The total physical impact is estimated at US $8.8 billion(41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP), marking one of the most destructive disasters in the nation’s history. Rural communities like Petersfield, already facing limited resources, are among the hardest hit and urgently need our support to recover and rebuild.
Cornell’s Connection to Petersfield
Petersfield is a small rural town located near the coast in Westmoreland parish, Jamaica. Cornell has a longstanding relationship with the community: Architecture students have engaged in immersive learning experiences on design, culture, anti-imperialism, and other course themes. Year after year, community members welcome them, extending care, hospitality, and opening their homes to these students throughout their stay. 
Past participants in this program, including Mengmeng He, speak highly of the generous spirit of the Petersfield community:
Join Us in Rebuilding
As pictured above, important community structures, including the Community Center (left) and Early Childhood Institute (right), have suffered catastrophic damage. As families begin to rebuild their homes, these centers are being used temporarily to meet urgent needs such as providing school classes and a makeshift health clinic.
In the long term, the community is also hoping to rebuild specialized structures like the library, which has provided the resources needed for children to study, earn scholarships, and pursue their academic goals.
Recovery will be slow without outside assistance. By supporting this campaign, you help deliver direct, transparent relief where it is most needed and contribute to purchasing essential items like:
- Food and Medical Supplies
- School Supplies & Furniture (Desks, Chairs & Books)
- Electronics (Laptops & Tablets)
- Structural Repairs (Roofs)
Every Donation Counts
The Caribbean community across Cornell’s campus is committed to expanding outreach and ensuring this effort reaches as many supporters as possible.
Your donation, no matter the size, will help restore safety, dignity, and hope to victims of Hurricane Melissa. Please consider giving and sharing this effort with those you know.
Together, we can help Petersfield rebuild.
$5
One One Coco, Full Basket
(Translation: Every little adds up) Helps provide basic necessities such as bottled water, toiletries, and first-aid items for families in need.
$15
Every Mickle Mek A Muckle
(Translation: Every little adds up) Supports the purchase of essential food supplies for households affected by the hurricane.
$25
Out of Many, One People
(Jamaica's motto) Contributes toward school supplies, including notebooks, backpacks, and classroom essentials for affected students.
$50
Wi Likkle But Wi Tallawah
(Translation: We are small but mighty) Funds are being used to purchase damaged furniture (beds, tables, chairs) for homes and the community center.
$100
Green
Supports the purchase of larger school items such as desks, chairs, and shared classroom equipment.
$250
Gold
Contributes to rebuilding structural elements of the Petersfield Community Center and other shared facilities.
$500
Black
Directly funds the purchase of larger educational items like tablets or laptops for students whose school equipment was destroyed.