Rebuilding with ROOFS

In response to the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) implemented targeted recovery initiatives. Among these is the Shelter Recovery Programme, which includes the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme.

The ROOFS programme provides financial assistance to rebuild homes that were damaged by the hurricane and assessed through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS).

Financial Assistance

The ROOFS Programme has received an allocation of $10 billion to support affected households across the island. Grants are issued based on the level of damage sustained by the home following the disaster. The levels are listed below.

• Minor Damage – $75,000. This is a rehabilitation grant that may be used for various recovery-related expenses.
• Major Damage – $200,000. Of this amount, $75,000 may be used for miscellaneous recovery-related expenses, while the remaining $125,000 is restricted to the purchase of building materials for repairing the home only.
• Severe Damage – $500,000. Recipients may use $75,000 for miscellaneous recovery-related expenses, while the remaining $425,000 must be used only for rebuilding or repairing the home.

Residents who were impacted, but have not yet been contacted, are encouraged to make a self-report to the nearest MLSS parish office to ensure they are considered for assistance.

Notification and Redemption

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for redemption.

Assessment Update

For ROOFS assistance status updates persons are encouraged to contact the nearest MLSSApproved parish office, the dedicated contact centre 876-922-8000-13, WhatsApp 876-582-8972 / 876-849-8614 or email mlsshurricanemelissa@mlss.gov.jm.

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Address: 14 National Heroes Circle, Kingston 4
Telephone: 876-922-8000-13
Email: clientcare@mlss.gov.jm
Website: https://www.mlss.gov.jm
Facebook/Instagram: @mlssjamaica
X: @JamaicaMlss