SC folks can help Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa while avoiding scams. Here’s how
Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, made landfall over Jamaica around 1 p.m. on Oct. 28, with wind speeds of 185 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
This slow-moving storm caused widespread infrastructure damage, hospital evacuations and flooding across the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Organizations have already started preparing and planning to provide assistance to Jamaican families affected by the storm.
Ways to help Jamaica from SC
The U.S. Department of State says that financial donations to established relief agencies are the most efficient way to support disaster response efforts.
The following organizations are leading relief efforts to support those affected and are accepting donations along with other forms of philanthropy.
If there are any local relief efforts or additional organizations we missed, please email amiller@islandpacket.com to be added to this list:
- The American Friends of Jamaica Disaster Relief Fund offers support when natural and humanitarian disasters affect Jamaican communities.
- Americares will send an emergency response team to Jamaica when it’s safe to travel, to help coordinate response activities. It also has an emergency medical team that can provide support as needed.
- GiveDirectly will deliver cash to families, helping them pay for food, water, medicine, generators, diapers, shelter and bills.
- GlobalGiving’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund will be used to provide food, water and emergency medical supplies to people and animals; support temporary relief and emergency supplies for displaced families; and provide support to frontline workers.
- Project Hope will send an emergency response team to Jamaica to provide health and humanitarian relief.
- The Red Cross is assisting with relief efforts across the Caribbean, including in Jamaica.
- The Salvation Army will provide emergency shelter, evacuation support and coordinated aid across the Caribbean, including Jamaica.
- World Central Kitchen, an organization founded by chef Jose Andres, which provides meals to families affected by natural disasters and other events, will help feed Jamaican communities.
- World Vision is providing flood buckets, generators, hygiene kits, tarps and other emergency items to Jamaican communities.
- The Government of Jamaica has launched a dedicated platform to mobilize support, channel relief and coordinate recovery efforts in the wake of times of crisis and disaster.
- The United Way of Jamaica supports Jamaicans and the country’s farmers after natural disasters.
- Direct Relief supports health facilities in coastal and low-lying areas. This organization has also sent 100 field-medic packs for Jamaica’s National Health Fund, and is working with the Pan American Health Organization on supplies for Cuba, according to the Associated Press.
- Good360 connects corporate donors who have surplus, high-quality supplies and donates them to those in need. This organization is supporting the delivery of these supplies, including generators, tarps and hygiene kits.
- Airlink works with major airlines to help humanitarian organizations move aid to disaster zones. They accept donations of frequent flyer miles.
- The Center for Disaster Philanthropy Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund focuses on long-term recovery. The group gives grants to local organizations that understand locals’ needs when a disaster hits.
Scam safety following Hurricane Melissa
In times of crisis, scammers often exploit donors amid the chaos surrounding a natural disaster. Ensure to verify any organization before donating.
The U.S. Department of State says common scam tactics to look out for during natural disasters include:
- Fake charities: Fraudulent websites or social media pages mimicking legitimate disaster relief organizations.
- AI-generated scams: Scammers use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake images and videos to solicit donations.
- Crowdfunding scams: Unverified campaigns on social media may be fraudulent. Donate only to established charities with proven disaster relief experience.
