Wisconsin Builder and Volunteers Rebuild Homes in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on communities across Jamaica, families who lost their homes have begun to see tangible signs of recovery thanks to an extraordinary rebuilding effort led by a Wisconsin-based builder and a dedicated team of volunteers.

Bartolazzi Homes, a residential construction company from De Pere, Wisconsin, has taken a hands-on leadership role in constructing new houses and repairing damaged ones for people whose homes were destroyed by the storm. The work is being carried out in coordination with the ISSA Trust Foundation, a nonprofit organisation supporting recovery efforts for Jamaican workers and their families affected by the hurricane.

For many residents, the hurricane didn’t just damage buildings — it erased decades of memories, stability, and shelter. Entire neighbourhoods were left without roofs, walls, or safe places to live. In some communities, families were forced to live under tarpaulins or seek temporary shelter, uncertain when they could return to normalcy.

Volunteers Bringing Tools and Skills

Dirk Bartolazzi, the founder of Bartolazzi Homes, has spent his working life building residential homes in Wisconsin. When he saw the scale of the destruction in Jamaica and heard from family members with local ties, he felt compelled to act.

“My wife’s family is from Jamaica,” Bartolazzi explained. “When they reached out to say how badly people had been affected, I knew we had to help. Houses aren’t just structures — they are places where families grow, work, and feel safe.”

Bartolazzi and his volunteers brought not only their expertise but also the tools and equipment needed for rapid rebuilding. This included battery-powered framing guns, saws, drills, and hurricane straps — essential for constructing strong, resilient homes capable of withstanding future storms.

The rebuild strategy has prioritised simplicity, speed, and effectiveness. Many of the homes being built are designed with straightforward construction techniques that allow teams to frame and raise structures quickly. In just a few days, crews have completed full rebuilds and significant repairs, giving multiple families back a secure roof over their heads.

Restoring Stability and Hope

For those receiving help, the impact goes far beyond the physical house.

“So many people lost everything — their roofs, their belongings, their safety,” Bartolazzi said. “Our goal is to bring back stability so families can stay together and begin rebuilding their lives.”

One resident shared that after the team replaced her roof, rainfall no longer leaked into her home — a moment that brought relief and a sense that recovery was finally underway.

Plans are already in motion to rebuild even more homes. Bartolazzi and his team have completed several full repairs and have additional trips planned to continue the effort. Support from communities both in Jamaica and abroad remains crucial, as hundreds of families have expressed the need for assistance.

Community and Collaborative Support

The rebuilding initiative has drawn support from local organisations and community members who are helping to coordinate efforts and identify families most in need. Social-media posts documenting the work show volunteers reviewing building plans with homeowners, ensuring that new homes match the needs of each family.

In one Instagram update, the ISSA Trust Foundation shared that another team of contractors, led by Bartolazzi, was scheduled to arrive in Jamaica soon to continue reconstructing homes.

Beyond physical reconstruction, the work stands as a reminder of the power of collaboration between international volunteers and local communities. It highlights how expertise, when paired with compassion and local guidance, can translate into meaningful progress even against the backdrop of significant loss.

How to Support the Rebuilding Effort

Community organisers and Bartolazzi Homes have indicated that volunteers and donations can make a meaningful difference. Those interested in supporting the effort — whether through financial contributions or hands-on help — are encouraged to reach out to local coordinating bodies or the organisers directly.

The rebuilding work in Jamaica serves as a testament to what can be achieved when people show up with skill, heart, and a willingness to act. For the families whose homes have been restored so far, the progress represents more than construction — it is the restoration of dignity, security, and hope for the future.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available from publicly reported sources at the time of writing, including local and international news coverage and statements attributed to individuals and organisations involved in post-hurricane rebuilding efforts in Jamaica. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may evolve as projects progress or as additional information becomes available.

Jamaica Homes News & Research does not claim direct involvement in, or responsibility for, the rebuilding works described unless explicitly stated. Any opinions, interpretations, or contextual commentary are provided for informational and editorial purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements, guarantees, or technical assessments.

Readers are encouraged to verify specific details with the relevant organisations or project leads where necessary.