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Britanya Moore / Contributor

Despite more than $5 billion already disbursed under the Government’s shelter recovery programme, some Jamaicans are still waiting for assistance months after Hurricane Melissa, among them 82-year-old Rosalee Steele of Georges Valley, Manchester.

Steele says she has been left to endure worsening conditions since the late October 2025 hurricane tore off the roof of her home, forcing her to rely on a tarpaulin secured with blocks and pieces of wood.

“At my age, mi shoulda comfortable,” Steele said. “But every time rain fall hard, water just come inundated.”

The Restoration of Owner and Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme, which forms part of the Government’s wider Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), was introduced to assist households affected by the hurricane. Authorities have reported that more than 30,000 homes have been assessed, with grants of up to $75,000 for minor damage, $200,000 for major damage, and up to $500,000 for severely affected properties.

At a recent post-Cabinet press briefing, Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said the Government has allocated $10 billion to the initiative, with disbursements ongoing through direct payments and vouchers.

However, Steele’s situation remains unresolved.

She said a team from the Member of Parliament’s office visited shortly after the hurricane to assess the damage and collect her information, but she has not received any follow-up assistance.

“They come and look, take information and everything, but nothing nuh come from it yet,” she said.

Attempts to get clarity have also proven frustrating. According to Steele, a relative contacted the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) office in Mandeville and was informed that payments are being processed in alphabetical order.

“Them say the process start, but is just a waiting process now,” she added.

In the meantime, recent heavy rainfall and strong winds across sections of the island have further exposed her vulnerability, as the conditions continue to test and at times overwhelm the already fragile tarpaulin covering her home.

“When breeze come, mi get scared,” Steele said. “Mi feel like it ago fly off again same way like when the hurricane pass.”

Residents in Georges Valley say Steele is not alone, noting that several households in the community, particularly elderly residents, are still awaiting assistance months after the disaster.

While the Government maintains that relief efforts are ongoing, Steele says her reality remains unchanged.

“Mi just want a proper roof over mi head,” she said.