As many of you know, though I was born in the United States, my family is from Jamaica. This week Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Melissa--a Category 5 hurricane and the most severe to ever hit the island.

I know in my heart that Jamaica is resilient and will rise from this tragedy, however, they cannot do it alone.

Please consider making a financial contribution to the relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa – Jamaica Relief Organizations **UPDATED**

We received updated information from my cousin this morning 10/30. He is a former member of Parliament and someone I trust implicitly. His message is as follows:

"For persons who have been asking where they can donate, this is an official site accepting donations. Thank you in advance 🙏🏼💪🏼 🇯🇲"

Official Jamaican Government Relief Portal

https://supportjamaica.gov.jm

Below is a list of other relief organizations responding to the humanitarian crisis in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Each description includes a concise overview of the organization and its current role in relief and recovery efforts. This is by no means and exhaustive list but I hope that it will help to facilitate and expedite the donation process.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)

⁠https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/hurricane-melissa/⁠

U.S‑based disaster‑relief NGO focused on rapid logistics and supplies. GEM has launched a dedicated 'Hurricane Melissa' mission, staging warehouses and shipments to deliver emergency aid across Jamaica.

Project HOPE

⁠https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/responses/hurricane-melissa-how-to-help/⁠

Global health organization founded in 1958. Its emergency response teams are providing medical and humanitarian support, including hygiene kits, mental‑health first aid, and medical supplies in heavily affected areas.

Jamaica Red Cross

⁠https://www.jamaicaredcross.org⁠

The national Red Cross society coordinating shelters, distributing hygiene and clean‑water kits, and mobilizing volunteers in partnership with the international Red Cross network.

World Food Programme (WFP)

⁠https://donate.wfp.org/1244/donation/single?campaign=5376&_ga=2.170418464.144588186.1761800423-169719419.1761800423⁠

The United Nations agency providing emergency food relief and logistics coordination. In Jamaica, WFP is airlifting emergency food kits and supporting communities isolated by storm damage.

GlobalGiving Foundation

⁠GlobalGiving Foundation Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund⁠

A crowdfunding platform connecting donors to vetted local NGOs. Its 'Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund' channels donations to community‑based groups in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations for food, clean water, and medical support.

Direct Relief

⁠https://donate.directrelief.org/campaign/support-jamaica/c738973?utm_source=arison&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=carnival⁠

Medical‑aid nonprofit distributing emergency medical supplies and funding (~US$250,000) to support hospitals and clinics impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)

⁠https://theafj.app.neoncrm.com/forms/afj-disaster-relief-fund⁠

U.S.‑based diaspora organization with deep ties to Jamaica. AFJ is raising funds for disaster response and working with partners like GEM to deliver relief and recovery assistance.

Before donating, individuals should conduct their own due diligence. Verify financial transparency, determine what percentage of funds go directly to Jamaican relief efforts, and assess each organization's accountability and impact reports. Each donor should choose the organization that best aligns with their values—whether prioritizing rapid response, health care, local empowerment, or long‑term recovery.