While life across the Caribbean islands hums along our focus must turn to Hurricane Melissa — a storm that brought devastation to Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas this past week with unprecedented ferocity. Making landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, it has been described as the strongest ever recorded on the island.
Communities have been left devastated — entire towns inundated, roofs ripped away, infrastructure severely damaged, and power knocked out across large swathes of the country. Our thoughts are with the people of Jamaica today, as relief efforts are already underway through multiple agencies coordinating aid and logistics on the ground.
Here are ways you can help:
GiveDirectly – Provides direct cash relief to families in Jamaica hit hardest by Hurricane Melissa.
Samaritan’s Purse – Airlifting shelter supplies, water systems, and hygiene kits into Jamaica.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) – Rapid-response teams delivering relief across Jamaica and neighboring islands.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – Supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts in Jamaica and Haiti.
The Salvation Army Caribbean Division – Providing emergency shelter, food, and clothing in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti & the Bahamas.
Team Rubicon – Deploying trained volunteer responders and logistics teams to Jamaica.
World Food Programme (WFP) – Coordinating emergency food deliveries and logistics in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.
International Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – Mobilizing national Red Cross teams throughout the Caribbean.
Afya Foundation – Shipping critical medical and health supplies to Jamaica and other affected islands.
GlobalGiving – Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund – Supports vetted nonprofits assisting survivors across multiple islands.
Hope Fleet is accepting donations and providing logistical help to deliver supplies to those hardest hit.
World Central Kitchen relief team in Jamaica responding to Hurricane Melissa – World Central Kitchen
Project Hope Helps Deliver Aid after Devastating Hurricane Melissa – Project Hope
AP News offers a round-up of aid organizations who are coordinating recovery and urging donations
