Standing with Our Partners in the Wake of Hurricane Melissa
We continue to hold in prayer our partners and the communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean. We are in close contact with partners in Haiti, Cuba, and Jamaica, who are actively assessing needs and supporting those most affected by the storm.
Partner Updates
Updated November 9, 2025
Jamaica
Over 28 church buildings sustained significant damage, including the loss or partial loss of roofs. Over 6 sanctuaries were destroyed entirely. 3 institutions — two schools and one Children’s Home — also suffered serious infrastructural damage. Communication challenges mean they expect these numbers to rise as full contact is re-established. Members across the affected areas have suffered home destruction, livelihood disruption, and trauma. Pastoral and psychosocial support will be essential. The following items have been deemed essential:
Immediate Relief Essentials
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food supplies (canned goods, dry goods)
• Hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, sanitary products)
• Blankets & bedding
• Clothing (new or gently used — sorted by age/gender if possible)
• Baby essentials (formula, diapers, wipes)
Recovery & Safety Supplies
• Tarpaulins (high priority)
• Nails, hammers, ropes, and basic repair tools
• Flashlights and batteries
• Starlink devices (for connectivity)
• Generators (for electricity restoration)
• Roofing materials (zinc sheets, boards, etc.)
Action: Our partners are exploring the best methods to receive assistance from donors – This conversation is ongoing.
Updated October 31, 2025
Haiti
In Haiti, severe flooding has caused displacement, injuries, and the tragic loss of life. Homes, crops, and livestock have been damaged or destroyed, leaving families and children in urgent need. Our partners at CONASPEH and House of Hope are reaching out to those sheltering from the storm, some in flooded centers, to provide food, clean water, and essential support despite limited resources.
David Giron, our Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, reports regarding House of Hope, “The situation has evolved rapidly since Wednesday. The southern region has been strongly impacted. Thousands have been evacuated. The surrounding villages face the destruction of infrastructure, particularly related to agriculture. There are many injured individuals. In the capital, the heavy rain continued through Thursday morning.”
“Regarding the children at House of Hope, they maintain communication with their families in temporary shelters. Certain centers have been flooded, and the last rains have further complicated children’s lives. Aside from the food support House of Hope provides (arrives every 2 months), they don’t have the means to provide the children with refuge. Nationally, there have been 23 deaths, including 10 children. Stats are being updated periodically.”
House of Hope has identified priority areas, including finding lodging to move people out of crowded shelters and into fixed housing, as well as addressing the cost of medical support.
Cuba
Partners at the Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Cuba report damage to work sites and local infrastructure. Teams are preparing assessments to determine urgent community needs, prioritizing families and neighborhoods most impacted by flooding and storm damage.
The Center is currently providing food and medical assistance to 600 families. They have identified several items that will need support.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands is gathering reports from congregations and communities to understand the full scope of impact. Their response team is coordinating efforts to identify the most critical needs, including shelter, food, and medical assistance for those affected.
We are still awaiting updates from many partners and ask that everyone keep all communities and responders in their prayers.
“We remain committed to working with partners to identify their immediate and long-term needs, and Global Ministries is prepared to respond. We are also collaborating, as always, with our wider denominational networks to deliver needed support.”
Global Ministries Co-Executives, Rev. Shari Prestemon and Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable
Prayer:
Loving God, we lift up all who are affected by Hurricane Melissa. Bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones and homes, strength to those helping others in need, and hope to communities as they recover. Protect and guide the responders and partners working tirelessly on the ground. May your peace and love surround every heart in this time of uncertainty. Amen.