When Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean in late October 2025, Jamaica was among the islands hardest hit — its southern coast facing widespread flooding, wind damage, and the displacement of thousands of families. Communities in Black River, St. Elizabeth, and neighbouring parishes are now assessing the enormous task of rebuilding their homes, schools, and livelihoods.
“How do you rebuild all this?” one resident of Black River asked as she stood among the ruins of her family home. The Guardian reports that power outages, washed-out roads, and destroyed crops have left local economies reeling.
International partners have begun to respond. The UK government has announced over $3 million in emergency support, while the Government of Jamaica has launched its official recovery platform, supportjamaica.gov.jm, to coordinate donations and relief efforts.
Below, we’ve highlighted five trusted charities that are actively supporting Jamaica’s recovery, alongside five other meaningful ways to help.
💚 Five Charities Supporting Hurricane Melissa Relief
1. JN Foundation
Through its I Support Jamaica Fund, JN Foundation is mobilising donations for children’s homes, healthcare centres, and elderly facilities affected by the storm.
2. Food For The Poor Jamaica
This long-established charity continues to deliver emergency food, hygiene supplies, and rebuilding materials to the most impacted parishes.
3. Direct Relief
Providing medical equipment and emergency health kits to hospitals and clinics across Jamaica and neighbouring islands.
4. CARE
CARE is offering shelter assistance, food aid, and cash support to families displaced by Hurricane Melissa.
5. The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)
The AFJ, a U.S.-based nonprofit, has launched a Disaster Relief Fund for Jamaica, working directly with local NGOs and matching diaspora contributions.
🤝 Five Other Ways to Help
1. Donate Cash, Not Goods.
According to the UK government’s humanitarian guidance, cash donations remain the most effective and flexible form of aid.
2. Use Official Channels.
Make contributions via supportjamaica.gov.jm, ensuring your funds are directed to verified government and NGO partners.
3. Amplify Trusted Information.
Share legitimate appeals across social platforms and community networks — misinformation can hamper rescue coordination.
4. Support Long-Term Recovery.
Beyond food and shelter, Jamaica’s rebuilding will require investment in agriculture, small businesses, and resilient infrastructure.
5. Volunteer or Offer Expertise.
If you have specialist skills in logistics, construction, or communications, coordinate with agencies such as Direct Relief or CARE. Always confirm through verified NGO channels before travelling.
🧭 Advice from the Jamaica High Commission
While the Jamaica High Commission in London has not yet issued a formal public statement dedicated solely to Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans abroad are encouraged to:
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Contact the High Commission for updates on official fundraising and consular assistance.
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Verify the legitimacy of any campaign before donating or shipping goods.
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Use the Government’s official site, supportjamaica.gov.jm, for coordinated national relief information.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise British nationals in Jamaica to monitor weather alerts and follow local authority guidance.
“Melissa has left a mark of destruction across the Caribbean,” reported Reuters. “But the global response shows solidarity in action.”
If you are a British national in Jamaica, FCDO strongly encourages you to Register Your Presence. This will allow FCDO to share important updates, including information on UK government charter flights.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a major hurricane in Jamaica on Tuesday 28 October. Hurricane Melissa brought exceptional levels of rainfall and strong winds to the whole of Jamaica, causing widespread damage to roads and infrastructure and disruption to electricity and other utilities services.
You should continue to monitor local and international weather updates, including from the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders.
🌍 Stay Connected
ALT A Review will continue to share verified links and updates on recovery efforts in Jamaica.
Follow us on Instagram @alt_africa_, and www.alt-africa.com for ongoing coverage.
