Meet Lincoln James
Rebuilding Joy in John's Hall, St. James After Hurricane Melissa
When Hurricane Melissa struck western Jamaica, it left entire hillsides cracked open and communities shaken. In rural John’s Hall, St. James, heavy rainfall triggered landslides and soil movement that damaged homes and made once-stable land unsafe.
One of the people affected is Mr. Lincoln James, an elder who has lived in John’s Hall for more than fifty years. Donate Today: rebuildjoy.org/donate
Watch the footage released by JPTV (Television Jamaica) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQcfyJGEa1c/
Read the news report on Mr. James home on Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2025/11/03/house-peril-landslide-johns-hall/
Total Devastation After The Hurricane
In a report published by the Jamaica Observer, homes in John’s Hall were described as being in “grave peril” because of landslides after Hurricane Melissa. The article noted that some houses were left standing on unstable soil and could “collapse at any time,” leaving residents fearful and unsure of their next step.
Mr. James’s family home was among those affected. The land shifted. The house became unsafe. What had been his anchor for half a century suddenly could no longer shelter him or his wife.
Eight weeks later, Rebuild Joy sat with him
Behind Mr. James, you see barrels of food that were sent from international partner, Arms of Hope Community, supporting the food insecurity after the storm.
About eight weeks after the hurricane, the Rebuild Joy team traveled into the hills of St. James to meet Mr. James in person.
He shared quietly,
“I am traumatized but I am trying to keep the spirits up.”
For Mr. James, this loss is not only physical. It is emotional and deeply spiritual. His home held memories, family stories, and the daily rhythm of life built over decades.
Now he faces an agonizing possibility:
he may have to leave the community he has lived in for over 50 years
rebuilding on the same land may no longer be safe
alternative housing is extremely expensive
He told us that his greatest fear is not simply losing a structure. It is losing his place in the community that shaped his entire life.
Why elders like Mr. James need us
After disasters, elders are often the last to be fully supported. Many:
live on fixed or limited incomes
have mobility or health challenges
care for grandchildren or dependents
cannot rebuild alone
are deeply rooted in their home communities
They are farmers, church leaders, culture keepers, and storytellers. Rebuild Joy believes that they deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to age in secure homes.
What Rebuild Joy is doing
Rebuild Joy is working to:
secure safe and resilient housing for Mr. James and his wife
provide support for relocation only if absolutely necessary
ensure cultural and community connection is preserved
prevent displacement of elders from their lifelong homes
Our goal is not only to rebuild structures. Our goal is to rebuild stability, belonging, and joy.
Adopt an Elder: Help Mr. James Monthly
Donate Today: rebuildjoy.org/donate
One of the strongest ways to help Mr. James is through monthly giving.
Monthly supporters make it possible to:
secure safe housing solutions
cover transport and building material costs
assist with basic needs
provide continued follow-up care
A monthly commitment helps ensure that elders are not left behind after the news cameras leave.
Your support tells Mr. James:
“You are not forgotten. Your life’s work matters. Your home matters.”
A message from Mr. James
“I want to stay in my community. I have been here for more than fifty years. I just need help to start again.”
You can help rebuild joy
Here are ways you can stand with him along with other elders:
adopt an elder through monthly giving
donate to housing reconstruction
share his story with your community
connect us with partners or funders
Together, we can make sure elders are not forced to face disaster recovery alone.
We can rebuild homes.
We can restore belonging.
We can Rebuild Joy.
