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Hurricane Melissa hits here Jamaica Strongest to make landfall as devastating Category 5 hurricane hits on Tuesday atlantic Storm in history.
Although the extent of the destruction is not yet known, relief organizations are already mobilizing to help CaribbeanAs in disasters, nonprofit groups told The Associated Press that cash is the best way to help, as donations of unwanted goods can overwhelm already strained systems. experts Recommend using sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to check out unfamiliar charities before donating.
Here are some of the work and ways we are being done to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and beyond.
Local people supporting local people: United Way of Jamaica
The 40-year-old non-profit organization has a history of supporting Jamaicans, particularly the country’s farmers, following disasters.
Last year, United Way of Jamaica mobilized support for female farmers badly affected by Hurricane Beryl, helping them replace farm equipment, repair roofs and pay tuition fees for their children as the school year begins.
The Kingston-based group accepts cash donations.
Immediate Relief and Reconstruction: Core
CORE local staff are already responding in Haiti and will arrive in Jamaica to deliver relief supplies such as hygiene kits and tarpaulins, conduct medical assessments and distribute immediate cash assistance when airports reopen.
The group, which was active in Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, will also help families clear debris and rebuild homes.
The Los Angeles-based nonprofit is accepting cash donations to its emergency response fund.
Installing a Backup Power System: Footprint Project
The solar-powered nonprofit provides temporary power equipment to communities and first responders to aid their response and restore communications.
Footprint Project is shipping 150 portable solar and battery power stations Florida Deploying mobile microgrid equipment across Jamaica, and from Puerto Rico and Barbados, working with local partners such as the Jamaica Renewable Energy Association to ensure systems are deployed where they are needed most.
The New Orleans-based group is accepting cash donations to support staffing and logistics, as well as donations of “turn-key” renewable energy technologies that can be shipped rapidly. Equipment donations can be coordinated through give@footprintproject.org.
Goods transport for relief groups: Airlink
Airlink works with major airlines like United and American, using their underbelly cargo space to deliver critical aid to disaster areas.
It is transporting goods to Jamaica on behalf of 16 NGOs, including the World Food Program and Mercy Corps. It will also lease at least two planes to carry more cargo for its partners, free of charge.
The Washington, D.C.-based group accepts cash donations and donations of United frequent flyer miles.
Medical Aid: Direct Relief
The humanitarian organization supports people in the Caribbean with medicines and other supplies year-round, and has delivered more than $3 million in medical aid to at-risk areas in the past month.
Direct relief will support health facilities, many of which he says are in coastal and low-lying areas that are vulnerable to flooding and power outages. The group also sent 100 field-medic packs to Jamaica’s National Health Fund, and is working with the Pan American Health Organization to prepare supplies for Cuba.
The Santa Barbara, California-based group is accepting cash donations and said all contributions specifically designated for “Hurricane Melissa” will go directly to those efforts.
High-Quality Supply Donation: Good360
Good360 connects corporate donors who have surplus, high-quality supplies with nonprofits that need those items.
The group has stockpiled supplies in a warehouse in Florida and will partner with local groups to distribute what is needed. It is expecting demand for generators, tarpaulins and hygiene kits.
Good360 is accepting cash donations to help deliver these supplies.
Long-Term Recovery: Center for Disaster Philanthropy
While the immediate needs will be great, the CDP focuses on long-term recovery, which is often an underfunded aspect of disaster response.
The group will make grants to local organizations that best fit the needs, focusing on residents most at risk and emphasizing solutions that better prepare communities for future climate events.
The Washington, DC-based organization is accepting cash donations to its Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund.
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Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is supported through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.