Hurricane Melissa: How can we help from the UK?
Hurricane Melissa is one of the world's strongest storms ever. Here are some ways that people in the UK can help recovery efforts in the Caribbean. We'll keep updating this online as things happen
Jamaica government
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has launched a dedicated platform to coordinate relief and rebuild communities.
Visit: supportjamaica.gov.jm - the only official Government of Jamaica site for hurricane recovery support.
The platform provides:
✅ A secure “Donate Now” option for individuals, diaspora and organisations
✅ An interactive shelter locator for those in need
✅ A transparent tracking system for relief resources
Black Curatorial
Black Curatorial have expanded their ‘Hurricane Beryl Fund’ into the ‘Caribbean Hurricane Fund’ to urgently support communities in the affected islands of Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Last year, they raised over £21K to mobilise resources and rebuild efforts, after Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean region.
Initiated by Black Curatorial, this fund is organised by a collective of organisations based in the UK, including HOUSE OF DREAD, City Splash, Black Things UK, Kwanda and Black Eats.
To support, the link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/CaribbeanHurricaneFund
White Ribbon Alliance UK launches emergency appeal for mothers and newborns in Jamaica
White Ribbon Alliance UK is working to support pregnant women, new mothers and babies affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The charity - which campaigns for safe, respectful and rights-based sexual and reproductive healthcare - is working with local partners to deliver trauma-informed aid packages.
These include safe birth kits, hygiene and period-care bundles, plus newborn essentials. With an estimated 91,000 people in Jamaica currently pregnant or recently postnatal, the crisis has placed thousands at risk of unsafe conditions.
Donations directly fund hygiene and dignity kits for women, parents and children rebuilding their lives. You can contribute here.
Hope for Haiti launches Hurricane Melissa relief appeal
Severe flooding and landslides have devastated southern Haiti in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, damaging homes, clinics, and schools across the region.
Humanitarian organisation Hope for Haiti has launched an emergency appeal to provide medical care, essential medicines, and disaster relief through its clinic in Les Cayes and local partner networks.
Donations will help fund vital supplies and medical support for families rebuilding their lives. To contribute, visit: give.hopeforhaiti.com
Community action
A petition to the British Prime Minister
On Friday 31 October, the UK Government announced an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to “support the Caribbean region’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa”.
This is on top of the £2.5 million that was pledged on Wednesday 29 October. £5 million was later announced, bringing the total to £7.5 million.
The funds will go towards rapid response efforts, including the delivery of shelter kits and other essential supplies to prevent injury and disease outbreaks across the “Caribbean region”.
However, it remains unclear how much of this support each of the affected countries will receive, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
If the allocation is to be shared among more than one nation then, as it stands, the aid does not amount to much.
So, there is a petition urging the British Prime Minister to mobilise greater emergency aid for Jamaica.
Support your favourite creators
In the digital age, small gestures can make a big difference. Simply watching, commenting on, or engaging with your favourite Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban or Dominican creators online helps channel revenue into their platforms - money that can, in turn, support local economies rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.
If they’re active on social media, liking, subscribing or sharing their work can provide not only financial support, but also a much-needed boost to morale during this difficult time.
Events
London Running Clubs’ Melissa relief marathon - 22 February
Go Go Glow Running, alongside Running Away From Problems, Black Female Travellers LDN and Rising Over Challenges, are hosting a fundraising marathon in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Proceeds will go to World Central Kitchen, which is working with more than 30 Jamaican restaurant partners to provide emergency meals and supplies to communities devastated by the October 28 hurricane. More information here.
Jamaica Hurricane dinner gala fundraiser, Wembley - 28 February
A Jamaica Hurricane Dinner Gala Fundraiser will bring together community leaders for an evening of style, elegance and solidarity in support of recovery efforts on the island.
Proceeds will go to Porters Mountain Alumni in Westmoreland which, organisers say, is working directly with the affected community to ship essential supplies and building materials.
Organisers say the night will feature a three-course meal, spoken word, live music, a saxophonist and an auction and raffle, with proceeds helping to fund further aid in Jamaica in partnership with Port Royal Patties.
This is a rolling explainer. Updates will be added as developments unfold.