Florida Nonprofits Mobilize Massive Relief Ahead Hurricane Melissa Jamaica Landfall

With Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, poised to make landfall in Jamaica, various organizations and communities across the U.S. are mobilizing extensive relief efforts to support those affected. Food For The Poor, a Christian nonprofit based in Coconut Creek, Florida, has been active in Jamaica for 40 years and is preparing to deliver aid, emphasizing both immediate and long-term needs. Caribbean Strong and the Global Empowerment Mission in Florida have packed two containers with family care packages containing essentials like water, food, and hygiene products, coordinating closely with Jamaica's Consul General to ensure swift distribution. Meanwhile, Running Free Spirit Outreach in West Palm Beach is educating and preparing communities in Jamaica for safety and recovery, focusing on securing homes and providing materials for rebuilding after the storm. In Rhode Island, the Jamaican Association and local leaders, including Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, are organizing donation drives for necessities, highlighting the anticipated extensive flooding and landslides based on past hurricanes. These collective efforts underscore the widespread commitment of the Jamaican diaspora and U.S. communities to respond to this imminent humanitarian crisis.