Ep. 23 - Preparing When the Storm Comes Home

04/09/2025 23 min
Ep. 23 - Preparing When the Storm Comes Home

Listen "Ep. 23 - Preparing When the Storm Comes Home"

Episode Synopsis

Send us a textIn July 2024 Hurricane Beryl slammed into the Caribbean, leaving a trail of devastation, still felt today. In Grenada, 95% of homes in two regions were destroyed. St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw 90% of its infrastructure damaged. For Food for the Poor Jamaica, this wasn't just another disaster response—it became deeply personal, when it hit home.  Kivette Silvera, former Executive Director of Food for the Poor Jamaica, reveals the extraordinary behind-the-scenes reality of disaster response work. "Once a hurricane or any disaster is on its way, it doesn't matter who you are," Silvera explains. "You are now in disaster response mode, so it means no titles."   Preparation begins long before storms appear. Teams establish protocols, secure resources, and ensure staff members are ready to respond at different intervals— weeks before impact. Yet the most remarkable stories emerge from the personal sacrifices made by those responding. Learn about one team member who lost his own roof and went without electricity for weeks but continued coming to work daily, helping others.   These stories illuminate Silvera's powerful perspective:  “This isn't mere employment—it's answering a calling to serve others in their darkest moments, bringing hope when all seems lost.”   Through partnerships with other organizations and community groups, Food for the Poor amplifies their impact across Jamaica. "Together we are stronger. Together we make a difference."   We invite you to join this mission today? Click here: www.foodforthepoor.org/emergencyrelief   Beyond The Plate is a podcast by international charity, Food For The PoorSign-up for our Best Bite and get exclusive access to our podcast, including food recipes from the 15 countries Food For The Poor serves, giveaways, e-books, and more. Click to join our Best Bite: https://bit.ly/BTP-bestbiteInstagram: @Beyondtheplate.podcastTikTok: @Beyondtheplate.podcastYoutube: Food for the Poor Beyond the Plate

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