From New York to Miami, the Caribbean diaspora is mobilizing in an unprecedented show of unity to support recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Community organizations, churches, and cultural groups across the United States have launched donation drives, fundraising events, and supply shipments to aid families in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The coordinated response underscores the strength of Caribbean solidarity — a reminder that no matter the distance, the diaspora remains deeply connected to the islands they call home.
In Miami, often called the “capital of the Caribbean”, local organizations have been at the forefront of the relief response. Groups have partnered with churches, small businesses, and volunteers to collect essential supplies including non-perishable food, medical kits, and water filtration systems. Donation drop-offs have been set up across Little Haiti, Miramar, and Kendall, while cultural events and benefit concerts are being planned to raise additional funds. For many in Miami’s vibrant Caribbean community, the effort is both personal and collective, a mission to ensure that their families and neighbors across the region are not forgotten in the aftermath of the storm.
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- The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) is collecting relief items including tarps, generators, canned and non-perishable foods. For the full list and drop-off locations, see this post.
- South Florida Caribbean Strong has a list of drop-off locations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
- The Greater Miami Jewish Federation set up an emergency relief fund for those impacted.
- Greater Good Charities, the Seattle-based nonprofit, has a location Wilton Manors where they’re prepping critical aid, reported Local 10.
- Global Empowerment Mission is accepting donations and asking for volunteers to help assemble emergency kits at its Doral warehouse.
- The city of Homestead has also partnered with GEM to collect donations at City Hall, the Homestead Police Department and Pichol Williams Community Center. Visit this page for more information.
- The Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank is collecting essential supplies and monetary donations. Visit this page for drop-off locations and additional information.
In New York, home to one of the largest Caribbean populations in the world, community networks have swiftly mobilized to coordinate hurricane relief. Organizations have launched donation drives across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Meanwhile, Jamaican and Trinidadian associations are collaborating with local city agencies and shipping partners to send barrels of food, clothing, and emergency supplies directly to affected islands. Cultural institutions are also transforming community events into fundraising hubs, uniting generations of Caribbean New Yorkers. Below is a short list of orgs rallying in a shared mission to help rebuild the region they still call home.
- The American Friends of Jamaica, a nonprofit based in New York City, announced a $1 Million Matching Fund to support critical relief and recovery efforts.
- GlobalGiving launched its Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund to partner with locally led organizations to provide immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
- International Medical Corps is collecting monetary donations here.
- Food For The Poor is collecting monetary donations here.
- Project HOPE is collecting monetary donations for its Emergency Response Team here.
- The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, is collecting monetary donations for its Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, with 100% of every dollar donated going directly to the organization’s emergency response efforts.
- Sandra Lindsay Foundation
