CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been over two weeks since Hurricane Melissa pummeled Jamaica.

For survivors, life has not improved. Some say the only thing that has improved is clarity about the tremendous need.

A fundraiser for Jamaican families in need is happening this weekend on Chicago’s North Side.

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A Chicago-area nurse who returned from Jamaica shared her ordeal, being trapped in hotel during Hurricane Melissa.

“The water just kept coming in, and you could hear the wind forcefully ‘whoosh,'” Jilicia Simms said. “I’ve been through Hurricane Ivan before, and this was nothing like Ivan.”

Simms was in Jamaica with family for her aunt’s funeral, and after the hurricane, they tried and failed to bring baby supplies to relatives in St. Elizabeth

From the suburbs, she is trying to help send what she can to help relatives without roofs and the basics.

“It’s just scary. Jamaica is definitely not okay,” Simms said. “People are in need of food, bedding, clothing.”

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In Rogers Park, the owners of an event space are donating Seven Star Venue for a fundraiser for Jamaican families Saturday evening.

“It’s really troubling to see the condition they are living in,” said Lenice Levy Seven Star Venue Operations Director. “We’ve always been taught if you can do something do it and that’s what we are doing just to help

The Chicago Hurricane Relief Coalition is coordinating getting funds and supplies to Jamaicans in need.

“It’s heart wrenching to see what’s happening down there, and hear people scream for just basic water,” said Dennis Sutherland with the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program, who has organized a GoFundMe page.

Organizers said the DJs and restaurants are all donating their services at Saturday’s fundraiser as well so that all proceeds go to Jamaica.

“Remember they lost all they have,” Sutherland said. “Generators, phones, clothes no perishable foods batteries flashlights just about everything.”

All are welcome to the party that begins at 3 p.m. Saturday at 2017 W. Howard St. The cost will be $20 at the door, and they welcome any additional donations. Party starts at 3:00 tomorrow and goes .. until the DJs stop spinning.

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