American Friends of Jamaica Mobilizes Over $10 Million for Hurricane Melissa Relief
How American Friends of Jamaica led relief after island was hit by Hurricane Melissa
Miami Herald
Image: Miami Herald
In response to Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica last fall, the American Friends of Jamaica raised over $10 million for relief efforts. The hurricane affected more than 1.5 million people, destroying infrastructure and causing an estimated $8.8 billion in damages. The organization is now focusing on rebuilding efforts in five impacted communities.
- 01Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, became the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica, affecting over 1.5 million people and causing $8.8 billion in damages.
- 02The American Friends of Jamaica activated its disaster-relief platform before the storm made landfall and raised over $10 million for recovery efforts.
- 03The organization launched the AFJ Rebuild Program, investing $1 million in each of five communities affected by the hurricane.
- 04Partnerships with local organizations enabled the distribution of nearly 1,500 gift cards to farmers for recovery efforts, with 88% utilization reported.
- 05Jamaica’s tourism minister praised the American Friends of Jamaica for its pivotal role in mobilizing resources and supporting recovery efforts.
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Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in October 2023, becoming the strongest hurricane in the island's history and causing devastating impacts, including over 1.5 million affected individuals and an estimated $8.8 billion in damages. The American Friends of Jamaica, a nonprofit organization, swiftly activated its disaster-relief donation platform, raising over $10 million to aid recovery efforts. This funding supports their AFJ Rebuild Program, which focuses on five communities directly impacted by the hurricane, with plans to invest $1 million in each community for re-roofing, agriculture, and healthcare support. The organization has partnered with various local entities, providing nearly 1,500 gift cards to farmers to assist in their recovery. As recovery continues, Jamaica's tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, acknowledged the crucial role played by the American Friends of Jamaica in mobilizing resources and alleviating suffering during this crisis. The upcoming gala event aims not only to raise funds but also to enhance awareness about the ongoing recovery efforts.
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The hurricane has severely impacted local communities, destroying infrastructure and livelihoods.
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