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Hurricane Melissa Relief

Hurricane Melissa struck countries across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas, with historic intensity. Hundreds of thousands of people were devastated by widespread flooding, power outages and damage to infrastructure.

So many in Miami-Dade County share deep ties to the region, through loved ones on the islands and our rich Caribbean community. Together, we are rapidly responding to this tragedy to support our neighbors, families and friends as one united Miami-Dade.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations remain the most effective and impactful way to support relief operations. This approach not only ensures that aid reaches those in need faster but also supports local economies recovering from the storm. By donating funds instead of goods, residents can help relief partners respond flexibly and efficiently as needs evolve in the days and weeks ahead.

Donate Supplies

Residents wishing to donate goods can do so through the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Miami-Dade County’s official relief partner, which is coordinating the collection of essential supplies, including hygiene kits, non-perishable food, and emergency equipment, to be shipped directly to Jamaica in support of ongoing recovery efforts.

Essential supplies can be dropped off at the GEM warehouse, 1850 NW 84th Ave #100, Doral, FL 33126. The GEM warehouse is open for donations from Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • trash bags
  • tarps and tents
  • sleeping bags
  • work gloves
  • solar-powered lights
  • industrial sponges
  • canned/nonperishable food (with 1+ year expiration date)
  • first aid kits
  • hygiene kits (hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, washcloths, deodorant)
  • generators*
  • cots
  • sheets and blankets

*Please note that generators can only be accepted at the Global Empowerment Mission HQ.

Volunteer Opportunities

Miami-Dade County is working closely with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and local community partners to organize volunteer opportunities for sorting, packaging, and loading relief supplies. We encourage you to support our neighbors by ensuring donations reach families in the Caribbean quickly and efficiently.

To donate your time, please register through the official GEM website or follow Miami-Dade County’s social media channels for upcoming volunteer shifts and community relief events.

Donations

If you wish to make a financial contribution, you can donate to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the United Way.
Donate to GEM
United Way Miami

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