Caribbean Communities Mobilize Aid After Hurricane Melissa

Fri Oct 31 2025 12:49:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean diaspora communities in South Florida and New York City step up to aid their homelands, despite the challenges they face in delivering humanitarian assistance.

Hurricane Melissa spared South Florida from a direct hit but deeply affected the Caribbean diaspora, prompting significant aid efforts for Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas. Community leaders and volunteers are organizing donations and assistance as they navigate the aftermath of the hurricane and ongoing challenges in their home countries. This strong sense of community highlights the connections that immigrants maintain with their homelands, showcasing resilience and dedication amid adversity.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — South Florida was spared a direct blow from Hurricane Melissa, but the massive storm still impacted the millions of residents there who have deep ties to the Caribbean. In a show of solidarity, the Caribbean diaspora from Miami to New York City is mobilizing to send emergency supplies to communities across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas that were hit hard by this powerful hurricane.

Both Miami and New York serve as significant centers of immigrant populations and cultural melting pots, making them crucial points for aid mobilization. Miami-Dade County, for instance, has more immigrants than native-born Americans, with a vibrant community deeply intertwined with Caribbean culture. Local neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti reflect the strong cultural connections to the Caribbean, as many residents maintain close familial ties to the islands.

‘Donation Fatigue’ Doesn’t Apply

The ramifications of Hurricane Melissa are acutely felt among Haitian Americans, who have endured a series of crises affecting their homeland. Carine Jocelyn, the CEO of Brooklyn-based Diaspora Community Services, remarked that for many, the feeling of 'donation fatigue' is nonexistent, emphasizing the urgent need for support among their families and friends back home. Despite challenges such as gang violence disrupting logistics in Port-au-Prince, there’s hope that aid can still reach those in need, particularly through designated airports.

Nonprofit organizations have emphasized that financial contributions are the most effective way to assist relief efforts, urging potential donors to utilize resources like Charity Navigator to ensure their contributions are impactful. Community leaders, such as Eugene Lapaine from the rural development organization in Haiti, are leading local rescue missions to aid displaced families.

Moving into Action

In Coconut Creek, Florida, volunteers from Food For The Poor are actively assembling emergency care packages filled with essentials to assist hurricane-impacted individuals. Many community members, like Susan James-Casserly, are preparing to return home to aid on-site recovery efforts. She expressed pride in the resilience of her fellow Jamaicans, emphasizing their readiness to help each other during times of crisis.

Moreover, local officials in Broward County are organizing extensive donation drives, allowing residents to contribute needed supplies at various designated sites, including fire stations and city hall. Volunteers across the region are stepping up, with efforts led by individuals who share deep connections to the Caribbean, creating a community response that embodies unity and action.

As local residents gather donations and prepare shipments overseas, the ongoing efforts showcase the profound bond between immigrants and their countries of origin. From diaper banks to emergency supplies, the collaborative spirit shines as they ensure their families and friends are supported during another challenging time.

As the Caribbean diaspora shows unwavering determination to provide relief, their actions reflect both the immediate needs of communities back home and the enduring ties that bind these immigrants to their origins.