Here’s how Texans can support relief efforts in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, striking Jamaica on Tuesday, Oct. 28 as one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the region.
The Category 5 hurricane brought winds up to 185 miles per hour and left much of the island without power.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 29, the death toll continues to rise as the storm moves across Cuba and heads for the Bahamas, now weakened to a Category 2, according to the Associated Press.
Officials have reported at least eight deaths in Jamaica, 40 in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, but those numbers are expected to climb as search and rescue efforts continue.
Melissa is the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica in 174 years of record-keeping. Meteorologists say its rapid intensification was fueled by unusually warm ocean temperatures, which caused the storm’s wind speed to double in less than 24 hours.
As recovery begins, several humanitarian groups are mobilizing to provide food, water, and emergency relief to those in need.
Here’s the latest on the response and how Texans can help.
Which organizations are providing disaster relief after Hurricane Melissa?
American Friends of Jamaica
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters.
AFJ says it is working with partners including the NCB Foundation, Food for the Poor, and the GEM Foundation to coordinate rapid response efforts.
Donate to the American Friends of Jamaica here.
Mercy Chefs
The faith-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs is deploying teams to Jamaica and Cuba to provide hot, chef-prepared meals and clean drinking water to families and first responders.
The organization says donations will go directly toward food, water and logistics for those impacted.
Donate to Mercy Chefs here.
World Central Kitchen
Founded by chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is partnering with local chefs and volunteers to cook and distribute fresh meals in storm affected areas.
The group says it aims to begin serving meals as quickly as possible to families in need.
Donate to World Central Kitchen here.
Are Texas-based groups helping with Hurricane Melissa relief?
Most of the immediate relief work is being led by national and international organizations, but Texans can still play a meaningful role.
Residents can donate to trusted groups listed above, organize local fundraisers, or share verified links to help raise awareness.
If you’re part of a Texas-based church, nonprofit or community organization planning to collect donations or send supplies to Jamaica, we’d like to hear from you.
Contact our newsroom with your details so we can include your effort in future coverage of Hurricane Melissa’s recovery.
