Jamaica Relief

One of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, Hurricane Melissa has brought devastation to the Caribbean, including Jamaica. People have lost their homes, hospitals have been destroyed, and the death toll across affected countries is now at 50. UNICEF has said that across the Caribbean, more than 700,000 children have been affected by this natural disaster, with many families being displaced, and education and emergency services disrupted.

Here are some organizations and friends that we know and trust on the ground in Jamaica that we encourage you to donate to:

GirlsCARE Jamaica is a “feminist climate activist movement that aims to create a space and empower young women to advocate for gender justice in climate action.” It engage directly with young women and girls, educating them on and support their work at the intersection of gender and climate. GirlsCARE Jamaica invites people to sponsor a young woman or girl directly or donate funds to the organization (by bank transfer). To be matched with a young woman or girl, or to arrange to make a cash donation, email equalitybahamas@gmail.com in order to reduce the administrative burden and transfer fees. GirlsCARE Jamaica now has PayPal as an option. PayPal email: girlscareja@gmail.com

Kindred on the Rock is a 70-acre farm homestead, founded by poet and activist Staceyann Chin for artists and activists. Folks there are building community, creating jobs, teaching and learning new skills, and caring for one another. The pig pen, dog house, and chicken coops were all destroyed, and neighbors and community are still assessing their losses. Kindred on the Rock is working to recover while serving as a base for people coming for food and shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-menddigap-incs-vital-mission. 

TransWave Jamaica promotes the health and wellbeing of trans people through advocacy and visibility. The organization is delivering care packages, providing cash stipends, securing temporary housing for people who have been displaced, and supporting long-term recovery and rebuilding in the community. Donations can be made at rustinfund.org/2024/10/08/transwave-jamaica.

WE-Change Jamaica is a feminist advocacy organization “committed to the safety, joy and liberation of LBTQ women and non-binary people in Jamaica.” It engages in capacity building and has modeled community care in its activities and ways of working. WE-Change Jamaica is distributing emergency care packages and essential supplies as well as cash stipends to help people to purchase the items they need. Donations can be made at gofund.me/5b6a69a3f .

Black River sits within St. Elizabeth, called “the breadbasket parish of Jamaica” for its vital role in sustaining the nation’s food system. The parish’s farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners are central to Jamaica’s agricultural output and food security. Sadly, Hurricane Melissa has left the beloved Black River and surrounding areas in St. Elizabeth devastated. Homes have been destroyed, families displaced, and many small businesses and farms, the lifeblood of this parish — have been wiped out.d security. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-black-river-after-hurricane-melissa