Jamaica's Path to Recovery: United Way Response to Hurricane Melissa

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in western Jamaica, the country is navigating the early stages of a complex and urgent recovery.

As of November 11, government officials have confirmed 45 deaths, 15 people remain missing, more than 30,000 households have been displaced, and some communities remain cut off as emergency teams work to restore access.

The storm arrived on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane and struck the heart of the island’s agricultural and tourism zones. Early estimates put the economic impact between $6 and 7 USD billions. Prime Minister Andrew Holness called the scale unprecedented. Referring to previous storms, he says “We have never had a disaster of this magnitude with this economic footprint; not Gilbert, not Ivan. To lose 30 percent of your GDP is significant.” 

Immediate Relief

In the days that followed, United Way of Jamaica began its relief operations. With strong relationships already in place across farming communities and local agencies, staff and board members were able to reach heavily impacted areas with food, water, and emergency supplies.

United Way Jamaica is very early, as they usually are. They were a wonderful partner in Hurricane Beryl. What they are doing now ensures we do not duplicate efforts.

The response follows a two-phase approach that prioritizes immediate relief as a step toward long-term recovery. Phase One responds to affected families. Support includes food packages, hygiene kits, water, and temporary support to households and shelters. Phase Two focuses on restoring agricultural activity and stabilizing local economies. In partnership with the Jamaica Agricultural Society and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, United Way is distributing seeds, fertilizer, livestock feed, and greenhouse materials to farming families.

Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green acknowledged the organization’s role in connecting national priorities with reliable local know-how. “United Way Jamaica is very early, as they usually are. They were a wonderful partner in Hurricane Beryl. What they are doing now ensures we do not duplicate efforts. It complements what government is doing.” 

The Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund, first launched in 2024 after Beryl, was quickly reactivated following Hurricane Melissa. The fund, an expression of United Way’s deep relationship to Jamaica’s agricultural community, was designed to extend support way beyond the initial storm response and assist with rebuilding the farming community’s long-term needs: crops, livestock and education for rural youth.  Fundraising began with JMD 1.5 million and has since grown to over JMD 20 million. Contributions have come from Seprod, the Scotia Group, the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange, and the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Oblique Seville, world champion sprinter and son of farmers, donated JMD 500,000 in personal support. 

A Network of Networks

Support is also coming from United Way partners abroad. The Town of Palm Beach United Way launched the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Fund. More than $150,000 has been distributed to relief organizations with active operations in Jamaica. Palm Beach’s partner, Americares, is working in damaged hospitals in Montego Bay and Black River. Convoy of Hope has delivered food, water, hygiene kits, and tarps. Global Empowerment Mission continues to move aid through its Kingston base, supporting communities in St. Elizabeth and surrounding areas.

In the Caribbean, United Way Trinidad and Tobago launched the Hearts with Jamaica campaign. Proceeds are going to farming recovery efforts. “At times like these, we are reminded that the Caribbean spirit is one of unity, resilience, and hope,” said CEO Gail Sooknarine. “Together, we can rise stronger.”

At times like these, we are reminded that the Caribbean spirit is one of unity, resilience, and hope. Together, we can rise stronger.  

United Way Worldwide also launched its own campaign to promote the visibility of the initiative within U.S. audience, reaching  the Jamaican diaspora in Canada and U.K.  

The damage left by Hurricane Melissa comes on the heels of flooding and other environmental shocks. The work underway today is shaped by hard-won experience and the trust United Way has built in communities across Jamaica. From emergency aid to the restoration of farmlands and schools, the goal is to help people recover, thrive, and prepare for what may come next.