Hurricane Melissa is currently approaching Jamaica, and these organizations are preparing to be first responders. World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross are standing by and mobilizing to deliver life-sustaining support to those affected by this catastrophic storm. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, it may be time to prepare for apocalyptic winds and unprecedented destruction. In response, these groups have begun to deploy resources and better coordinate their efforts across the region.
For its part, World Central Kitchen — a nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés — has already begun prepping for the storm. The organization is known for providing rapid response in disaster relief. They drop off food and water to first responders and victims in hard hit areas. “We’re working with local partners to begin serving meals as quickly as possible to families impacted by the storm,” a representative stated.
The American Red Cross is well known for its Disaster Relief program. Now, it’s preparing to serve as a first response base for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This program delivers life sustaining services like food, shelter and support from trained volunteers. Melissa’s alarms have already resulted in a quick response. The Red Cross societies across the islands and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are completely active, cooperating with each other to help support the countries which will be affected the most.
Coordinated Efforts for Relief
Yet both World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross have deep institutional knowledge and experience going into responding to disasters. They know too well that the task of recovering Jamaica will be monumental, resource-aggravating, and time-consuming. With the damage to local infrastructure sure to be unprecedented, the need for timely and urgent help only increases.
World Central Kitchen is justifiably renowned for its speed in response. Behind the scenes, they make sure food and water starts going to those who need it fast as possible. The organization has been preparing for storms like Melissa by mobilizing resources and collaborating with local partners. This advance work makes it possible for them to get operational in the field quickly when disasters hit.
The American Red Cross shares that same passion and commitment to providing relief when and where it’s needed most. Their trained volunteers are ready to assist with shelter, food distribution, and emotional support for those affected by the hurricane. Both organizations emphasize the need for communities to be included in rebuilding and recovery processes.
How to Help Jamaica
As Hurricane Melissa approaches, here are just a few things that people can do to help Jamaica recover. Whether it’s donating to groups such as World Central Kitchen or the American Red Cross, every contribution helps. Your contribution helps make sure these resources are available when they are needed most. Local residents are urged to keep up with updates from trusted sources and to keep their eyes open for opportunities to help.
American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has voiced its support for Jamaica at this key period. Here’s our original piece on Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall. As part of the successful applicant cohort, the organization committed to coordinating closely with their new ODOT partners. These partners are NCB Foundation, Food for the Poor, GEM, and Sanmerna Foundation.
