Meet Nouda Calhoun

“I Have Never Seen a Storm Like This” – Nouda’s Story from Spring Mount

Watch the video below to hear Nouda’s story in her own words and see the conditions she is facing today. Donate Today: rebuildjoy.org/donate

We had the privilege of sitting with Nouda and hearing her story directly. Her words, her strength, and her faith remind us why this work matters.

Nouda is 87 years old.
She has lived in Spring Mount, St. James, Jamaica her entire life.

She has seen storms come and go. She has weathered hard seasons. But nothing prepared her for Hurricane Melissa.

“This one was different,” she told us softly.
“I have never seen a storm like this before.”

When the Category 5 hurricane hit Jamaica, the winds tore through Nouda’s community with devastating force. Roofs lifted. Trees fell. Homes collapsed. The land she had known for decades changed overnight.

For Nouda, the storm did more than damage her home. It shattered her sense of safety.

A life of strength, now facing uncertainty

Nouda lost her husband years ago. Since then, she has lived quietly and independently, relying on faith, community, and the rhythm of daily life in Spring Mount. Her home was her comfort, her refuge, and her memories.

After Hurricane Melissa, that refuge was no longer safe.

The walls were weakened. The structure became unstable. And like many elders in rural Jamaica, Nouda had few resources to rebuild on her own.

Now, at 87 years old, she faces the unimaginable: starting over.

With her house damaged, Nouda has been staying with church friends and community members. While she is grateful for their kindness, temporary shelter is not the same as having a home.

She misses:

• her own bed

• her own kitchen

• her quiet mornings

• the space where she prayed and rested

“I just want to feel safe again,” she said.

Why Nouda’s story matters

Nouda represents many elders across Jamaica who are still struggling months after Hurricane Melissa. They are resilient, but resilience alone cannot rebuild homes.

Elders often:

• live on fixed incomes

• cannot qualify for loans

• lack access to rebuilding materials

• rely on community support

Without help, they are left waiting.

Adopt Nouda: Help her rebuild her home Donate Today: rebuildjoy.org/donate

By adopting Nouda through monthly or one-time support, you help fund:

• building materials

• transportation of supplies

• labor and oversight

• safe, storm-resilient construction

Your support helps Nouda return to a place of peace and stability.

She has given a lifetime to her community.
Now, we can give back.

Help us rebuild joy

Nouda does not ask for much.
She only asks for a safe place to rest.

With your help, we can make that possible.

Together, we can rebuild homes.
Together, we can restore dignity.
Together, we can Rebuild Joy.