The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa left the western parishes of Jamaica in ruins; lives lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and families struggling to survive and rebuild. As a Tennessee-based, US Army veteran owned construction and manufacturing firm, Construction Support Services (CSS) has for years worked alongside hundreds of Jamaicans – through its operations providing invaluable training, acclimation, and employment opportunities. After CAP Media (A Jamaican - based creative marketing firm that has partnered with CSS for years) presented the concept for a disaster relief initiative, and after watching so many families endure unimaginable loss, it became clear that doing nothing was not an option. From that shared sense of responsibility, CSS Help 500 was born. More than a relief effort, it is a long-term commitment to help at least 500 people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and regain hope. To bring this vision to life, CSS in collaboration with a fiscal sponsor to ensure transparency, moved quickly along with its partners to establish a CSS Help 500 Steering Committee, dedicated to the effective delivery of support to the families who need it most. The initiative has expanded to include Jamaican Government Agencies, faith-based organizations, NGO’s, U.S. and Jamaican universities, certified contractors, professional sports organizations, and community-based groups, all working together toward a singular goal – to restore dignity and hope, and build back a stronger more resilient Jamaica – one family at a time.
