Emergency Aid in Action

We are witnessing the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall. The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on October 28, leaving widespread destruction in its wake—damaging homes, flooding communities, and knocking out power for over 77% of the island. Entire neighborhoods in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland Parishes were devastated, and landslides have blocked key roads, isolating communities. Relief agencies have mobilized across Jamaica, delivering emergency supplies, food, and medical aid, while coordinating rescue efforts to support first responders and affected families. With over 250,000 children impacted and the recovery expected to take months, the need for sustained support is urgent.

Below are some opportunities to support those affected by the hurricane. This list offers important opportunities to support emergency relief and long-term recovery in Jamaica, though it is not exhaustive.

Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Emergency Relief Fund

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has established an Emergency Relief Fund to help those whose lives have been devastated by the historic Hurricane Melissa. As always, Federation will absorb all administrative costs so 100 percent of funds donated to the Hurricane Melissa Emergency Relief Fund will provide critically needed aid to those impacted by this storm.

Emergency Relief Fund
GEM Hurricane Relief

Global Empowerment Mission

Global Empowerment Mission, GEM, was established in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. Since then, they’ve deployed over 374 disaster relief missions in 73 countries and all 50 states.

Global Empowerment Mission
SmartAID Disaster Relief

SmartAID

SmartAID brings technology into communities damaged by disasters and trains local doctors, social workers, and teachers how to use technology to help communities heal from disasters and build resilience long-term.

SmartAID
AFJ Hurricane Relief

American Friends of Jamaica

Founded over 40 years ago this American nonprofit is dedicated to supporting Jamaican charitable organizations and social initiatives working to improve the lives of Jamaicans through systemic development in the areas of education, health care and economic development.

American Friends of Jamaica
Emergency Response Team

Texans On Mission

An Emergency Response Team is arriving in Jamaica with highly trained volunteers will help organize and multiply the relief efforts of hundreds of Jamaican churches across the nation. Their extensive experience in disaster relief and setting up mobile food trucks have made them invaluable for service after hurricanes, tornadoes, fertilizer plant explosions, floods, a pandemic and more. They also have permanent facilities in Israel that house the mobile kitchens and take frequent trips with volunteers there.

Texans on Mission

Grantmaking

To make a grant through your donor-advised fund, simply log in to the My DJCF portal, where you can easily recommend grants to qualified organizations, track your giving history, and manage your fund. If you prefer personalized assistance or have specific questions, you are welcome to contact our Director of Fundholder Services, Mary Vaughan, who will be happy to guide you through the process and ensure your philanthropic goals are met with ease and confidence.

For questions about grantmaking, please contact:
Mary VaughanDirector of Fundholder Services
Mary Vaughan