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How to Help with Humanitarian Efforts Assisting Jamaica and Haiti After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica, Haiti and other communities across the Caribbean are reeling from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, which produced catastrophic flooding, landslides and sustained winds, hit the islands. With a global network of trusted, disaster related services being provided by agencies uniquely positioned to help those most at-risk to recover and get their lives back to normal, as quickly as possible, have been mobilized. With some lives lost, and so many others displaced, there are several relief organizations that are already on the ground providing aid to those in the midst of this horrible disaster.

HOW TO HELP

Experts say the best way to provide help to those in need is to donate to aid organizations that already have operations on the ground. Listed below are a few organizations that are assisting currently and accepting financial donations. Please note that monetary donations are the best way for the resources to get to those in need quickly.

MAKING A FINANCIAL DONATION 

• Americares: Provides emergency medicine, supplies, and other aid to disaster victims. Go to Americares | Disaster Relief & Global Health Organization | Americares for more information and to donate.
• World Central Kitchen: WCK responds to natural disasters, man-made crises, and humanitarian emergencies around the world. The team of food first responders, mobilizing with the urgency to get meals to the people who need them most, World Central Kitchen (wck.org)
• International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the Red Crescent: Relief and Aid Assistance: IFRC Homepage
• UNICEF USA: Supplies and Assistance for Children caught in Conflict: https://www.unicefusa.org/ 

CONTACTING LOVED ONES

• If you are concerned about a United States citizen who is traveling or living abroad, contact the US State Department Office of Overseas Citizens Services and Crisis Management at 1-888-407-4747 or online at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies.html.
• If you are searching for a loved one who is not a United States citizen, submit a Restoring Family Links inquiry form on our website: https://www.redcross.org/contact-us/international-reconnecting-families-inquiry-form.html.
• If you live in a country other than United States, visit the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) online for information about what services the ICRC and your local Red Cross or Red Crescent Society can provide.

AVOIDING SCAMS

To help individuals avoid scams and frauds after disasters, please note the following advice from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP):

• Do your research: Before donating, use online resources like the Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch, which all provide information about non-profit organizations and charities.
• Be cautious of “look alike” websites:  Websites will sometimes try and impersonate legitimate charities. Verify the URL in your browser before giving any money online. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information and may download harmful malware onto your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or other social media sites are legitimate.
• Ask questions: Ask how your donation will be used. and ask the solicitor to be specific. If the answer is vague be wary.
• Know who you are talking to: If you receive an email or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website. A legitimate charity will always give you time to verify its identity and do your research.
• Don’t be pressured: Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for payment in cash, or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation.
• Avoid paying in an untraceable form of payment: Donate by check or credit card, not by wire transfer or cash.
• Never give out personal information: Never give out information such as your social security number or bank account numbers over the phone or internet, or to an untrusted source.

For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing, dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit, www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints.  In addition, visit the Better Business Bureau website to report a scam or look up a scam at, https://bbb.org/scamtracker

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SOURCES: The International Committee of the Red Cross, CT Department of Consumer Protection, Global Giving, The Red Cross and the Red Crescent, World Central Kitchen, , UNICEF USA, U.S. Department of State
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: November2025