When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica on Oct. 28, 2025, it left more than structural damage—it displaced families and disrupted entire communities. With sustained winds of 185 mph and pressure readings of 892 millibars, the Category 5 storm particularly devastated St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Manchester, St. James and Trelawny parishes.

Even before the storm made landfall, Steve Slepcevic, founder of Strategic Response Partners (SRP), was already mobilizing aid. Arriving on the island two days before impact, he began coordinating emergency logistics and assembling a network of roofing contractors to help rebuild critical infrastructure. The initiative— named “Operation One Roof, One Love”—aims to unite roofing professionals in delivering immediate shelter and long-term recovery assistance to affected communities.

A Rapid Response Mission

In a message to BNP Media in early November, Slepcevic described both the urgency of the crisis and the coordinated U.S. response already underway:

“The United States is delivering $12 million in life-saving foreign assistance to help Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa,” Slepcevic said. “This week [Nov. 2–9], multiple U.S. foreign-assistance flights are bringing in relief supplies, including shelter materials, hygiene kits, and tarps for 60,000 people. It’s time for our roofing contractors to grab flights to Jamaica.”

He added that U.S. military personnel are “working shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Jamaica, delivering 230,000 pounds of food and water, as well as medical supplies and logistics equipment to hard-hit communities in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, St. Ann, and St. James.”

Slepcevic’s call to action was clear: “Roofers looking to come in and help our first responders, please reach out, and I’ll assist you with all logistical support.”

On-the-Ground Efforts

Since the storm, SRP’s team and partners have been focused on urgent stabilization projects and coordination with relief groups. Among their efforts:

• Shrink-wrapping damaged hospital roofs to protect interior spaces from further weather damage.
• Partnering with humanitarian organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and World Central Kitchen to align contractor deployments with ongoing food and medical aid.
• Coordinating logistics and transport of roofing materials, temporary shelters, and tools across affected parishes.
• Calling for skilled volunteers from the roofing industry to assist with assessments, repairs, and reconstruction.

RELATED: Roofers Needed for Hurricane Melissa Relief in Jamaica  

How Roofing Contractors Can Help

Slepcevic emphasizes that effective aid depends on organization, preparation, and partnership. For contractors interested in supporting Operation One Roof, One Love, SRP offers the following guidance:

• Assess Capabilities and Readiness
  Determine whether your company can deploy crews and equipment quickly and safely in a post-disaster environment. Ensure all personnel have appropriate insurance, licensing, and safety training for international work.
  
  
• Partner with Relief Organizations
  Connect directly with SRP or local Jamaican contractors to coordinate efforts. Collaborate with established NGOs to integrate roofing expertise into broader humanitarian missions.
  
  
• Bring the Right Materials and Skills
  Prioritize hurricane-resilient systems—wind-rated fasteners, durable membranes, and uplift-resistant assemblies. Where possible, ship or pre-stage materials to the island to accelerate recovery and train local workers in installation techniques that promote long-term resilience.
  
  
• Plan for Logistics and Deployment
  Expect power outages, blocked roads, and limited supplies. Crews should be self-sustaining with fuel, water, and temporary lodging. Coordinate closely with local authorities regarding building codes and relief-fund compliance.
  
  
• Document and Communicate
  Capture before-and-after photos, testimonials, and project reports. Sharing progress helps build transparency, attract additional support, and highlight the industry’s humanitarian role.
  
  
• Invest in Resilience, Not Just Repair
  Beyond emergency fixes, contractors are encouraged to help homeowners rebuild stronger—adding roof tie-downs, improved drainage, and maintenance programs that reduce vulnerability to future storms.

Rebuilding with Purpose

Hurricane Melissa’s devastation underscores both the vulnerability of island communities and the capacity of the roofing industry to make a meaningful difference. Through Operation One Roof, One Love, SRP and its partners are proving that collaboration, compassion, and craftsmanship can restore more than structures; they can restore hope.

Contractors or suppliers interested in contributing to recovery efforts can contact Strategic Response Partners or learn more at givesendgo.com.