South Florida groups launch $1M relief challenge for Hurricane Melissa victims in Jamaica
Key Points(5)
- <p data-start="211" data-end="536">Thousands of Jamaicans left homeless and without basic necessities after Hurricane Melissa are receiving support from a new South Florida-led relief effort.
- “Families are hungry, homes are gone, and hope is fading.
- The community—locally, nationally, and internationally—can change that.
- Lives depend on it.”</p> <p data-start="1244" data-end="1680">Hill noted that early assessments show widespread devastation and emphasized that while thousands of dollars and over $1.4 million worth of goods have already been raised through an Amazon Wishlist, much more is needed.
- “We’ve responded to crises across the Caribbean before—helping tens of thousands—but this one impacts hundreds of thousands.
Thousands of Jamaicans left homeless and without basic necessities after Hurricane Melissa are receiving support from a new South Florida-led relief effort. The storm caused severe flooding, power outages, and extensive damage across western Jamaica, leaving entire communities isolated.
In response, South Florida Caribbean Strong, in partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and The Miami Foundation, has launched the Caribbean Strong $1M Hurricane Melissa Relief Challenge. The campaign aims to raise $1 million by the end of November through donations from 10,000 individuals, each contributing $100, to keep essential aid flowing to families most affected by the storm.
“The storm may be over, but the crisis is not,” said Marlon Hill, Lead Mobilizer of South Florida Caribbean Strong. “Families are hungry, homes are gone, and hope is fading. The community—locally, nationally, and internationally—can change that. We must act quickly. Lives depend on it.”
Hill noted that early assessments show widespread devastation and emphasized that while thousands of dollars and over $1.4 million worth of goods have already been raised through an Amazon Wishlist, much more is needed. “We’ve responded to crises across the Caribbean before—helping tens of thousands—but this one impacts hundreds of thousands. The community’s collective action can prevent a deeper humanitarian crisis,” he said.
Relief efforts are already underway. Organizers report that 1,501 pallets of aid valued at $4.3 million have been shipped to Jamaica using 15 chartered planes, 18 containers, and a cruise ship. The Caribbean Strong Fund has raised $71,000 from 350 donors, while Amazon supplies have contributed over $1.6 million in goods.
The coalition is urging individuals to contribute cash, purchase essential supplies for shipment, or volunteer at the GEM warehouse in Doral, Florida, where aid packages are being assembled for delivery.
The initiative highlights a growing trend of community-led disaster response, particularly in Caribbean diaspora networks, which have mobilized quickly following hurricanes in the region.
Community members in South Florida can help in several ways:
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Donate: Support the Caribbean Strong Relief Fund at The Miami Foundation.
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Purchase & Deliver Supplies: Order essential items through Amazon and ship them to the GEM warehouse at 1850 NW 84th Avenue, #100, Doral, FL 33126.
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Volunteer: Help pack family necessity kits at the GEM warehouse. Volunteer hours are Monday–Friday: 10 AM–2 PM and 2 PM–5 PM, Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM. Sign Up to Volunteer.
