BTN has always been about more than construction. It’s about building people, building community, and building a better world. Our members don’t just work with their hands—they lead with their hearts. And few stories demonstrate this more powerfully than Wendy Hopper’s recent humanitarian work in Jamaica.

A Mission Born From Devastation

Before this trip, Wendy had never been to Jamaica—or anywhere in the West Indies. But when her close friend Mike shared heartbreaking videos of the island’s destruction, she immediately stepped in. Mike, a longtime visitor of Jamaica and a successful SoCal businessman, felt compelled to return and find a way to help. Wendy agreed to join, not knowing exactly what they would find—but knowing they couldn’t sit by and do nothing.

Arriving in Kingston

They landed in Kingston on November 15th and immediately connected with Jermaine, a former Sandals butler whose resort—like all others—had closed due to catastrophic storm damage and power loss. Jermaine’s girlfriend Kylie and another resort worker, Wayne, also joined their mission. Wayne became their dedicated driver as they traveled through the devastated areas.

Kylie quickly became an essential part of their efforts. With her natural leadership, business skills, and organizational expertise, she helped Wendy and Mike purchase food, water, and hygienic essentials for families living without electricity, clean water, or sanitation. She even devised a color-coded donation system for adults, families with children, and the elderly—ensuring help reached the right people efficiently.

Witnessing the Damage Up Close

On day three, the team drove three hours to the north side of the island, where devastation was widespread. Thankfully, Mike had arranged security support—because as desperate crowds gathered, their team needed assistance to distribute items safely and fairly.

Nothing, however, could have prepared Wendy for what she saw:

• Children without shoes.
• Families wearing only the clothes left on their backs.
• People visibly thin from hunger.
• Homes ripped apart by wind and ocean surge.
• Rivers contaminated with debris, sewage, and dead animals—now the only water source for many.
• Belongings scattered miles away or completely destroyed.

Even after distributing food and water to hundreds of people, Wendy felt the deep weight of knowing it would only help for a day or two. The need was overwhelming—and urgent.

Stories That Must Be Shared

By chance, Wendy met Dane Wilson, a resident of Bunkers Hill in Trelawny Parish. Dane shared that this was the most powerful storm ever recorded in their area. People who had never been homeless suddenly were. Families with stable lives were forced into survival mode. Dane asked Wendy and her team to share his story with the world—to help amplify the plea for assistance.

A Call for Global Support

The Jamaican government has created a streamlined path for foreign nationals to donate and assist directly. The greatest needs and registration information can be found here:
🔗 https://supportjamaica.gov.jm

What’s Next? Continuing the Mission

Wendy and Mike plan to return before the end of the year with a larger, more strategic relief effort. They learned firsthand that many of the hardest-hit residents live high in the hills and have no way to reach donation sites. Help must go to them. It may be less efficient—but it is far more effective.

BTN’s Heart for Service

Wendy’s journey is a profound reminder of what makes BTN extraordinary.
Our members don’t just build structures—they build hope.
They step into difficult situations, lift up communities, and demonstrate what “Building Trust. Building Community.” truly means.

We are proud to stand with Wendy as she continues her mission to support Jamaica—and we encourage anyone who is able to join in supporting relief efforts.

More updates to come as this important work continues.