Caribbean Diaspora Unites for Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts

Fri Oct 31 2025 14:31:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to Hurricane Melissa, communities from South Florida to New York City rally to send supplies to affected Caribbean nations, showcasing resilience and solidarity among the diaspora.

Hurricane Melissa spared South Florida but left a mark on its Caribbean-rooted residents, prompting a massive relief effort to aid communities in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas. The diaspora is actively organizing donations, assembling emergency kits, and mobilizing resources to support their home countries. Local officials and nonprofit organizations are facilitating drop-off sites for essential items, underscoring the strong connection and commitment to help those in need.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (RTW) — Although Hurricane Melissa did not strike South Florida directly, the storm resonated deeply with its Caribbean-rooted residents. In response, the diaspora from Miami to New York City has mobilized, filling warehouses with emergency supplies for Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas, all of which faced significant impacts from one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes recorded.

Miami-Dade County, Florida’s most populous region, has become a hub for immigrants, housing more foreign-born individuals than native Americans; a reflection of its vibrant immigrant community. For many residents, Miami is viewed as an unofficial capital of Latin America, where cultural ties to the Caribbean run deep.

Recognizing the hardships faced by their loved ones back home, members of the Haitian American community, among others, are exchanging feelings of donation fatigue for a renewed call to help. Carine Jocelyn, CEO of Diaspora Community Services in Brooklyn, stated, “We don’t really get to say that,” referring to the enduring support for Haiti amid ongoing crises.

Mobilizing Resources

Nonprofit organizations stress that financial contributions are the most effective form of aid. Eugene Lapaine, president of Association des Paysans Haut Douzieme in Haiti, is committed to leading a relief response in southern Haiti, where many people have fled their homes seeking safety. Simultaneously, volunteers with Food For The Poor in Coconut Creek are assembling emergency care kits and supplies.

Amidst these efforts, volunteers like Susan James-Casserly, a Jamaican national, are joining missions to provide direct assistance in their home countries. “Jamaicans are very strong and resilient...we are ready to help,” she stated, echoing the sentiment of many who are eager to assist.

Community Action

In Miramar, city officials have initiated a widespread relief effort. Drop-off locations for essential supplies have been set up at fire stations and city parks. In neighboring Lauderhill, Jamaican restaurants and city hall have become donation centers as locals rally to support their home nations.

Brittany and Dwayne Wolfe, co-founders of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, have opened their home as a collection point. “I truly feel that a lot of folks that live in South Florida can really relate,” Dwayne said, emphasizing the community's profound connection to their roots.

As the diaspora works tirelessly to support affected regions, contributions are pouring in from around the globe, signifying a unified front in the face of adversity.

In the words of many responders, it is home, and in such times of distress, it’s imperative to extend a helping hand.