COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — South Florida residents felt the distant impact of Hurricane Melissa as the storm triggered an outpouring of support for Caribbean communities in distress. Despite avoiding a direct hit, this massive storm has resonated with many living in this vibrant region that hosts a substantial Caribbean diaspora.
In Miami and New York City, individuals with roots in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas are mobilizing efforts to gather essential supplies, filling warehouses with donations to help those devastated by Melissa, now recognized as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes.
Miami, often seen as a cultural melting pot, has become a home to a large number of immigrants. Miami-Dade County surpasses native-born Americans in terms of its foreign-born population, which includes over a million Cubans and many Jamaicans. These communities have deeply intertwined connections back to the Caribbean, especially in the face of natural disasters like Melissa.
Donation fatigue is not something we can afford to entertain for Haiti, said Carine Jocelyn, CEO of Diaspora Community Services based in Brooklyn. As disasters continue to strike home, she emphasizes the importance of verified giving to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
Nonprofits recommend cash donations are crucial, with platforms such as Charity Navigator facilitating the process.
At a bustling warehouse in Coconut Creek, volunteers from Food For The Poor prepared emergency care packages, gearing up to send aid directly to Jamaica. Susan James-Casserly, who has ties to Jamaica and boasts a long history of aiding her countrymen, reflects on the resilience of the Jamaican people: I know we are ready to help.
In areas like Miramar, city officials are spearheading collection efforts, turning local sites into drop-off points for essential supplies. The cooperation among residents illustrates a strong connection to their Caribbean roots.
As contributions pour in, those in the diaspora experience a mix of concern and determination to aid relatives affected by the storm, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to their homeland.
This moment of vulnerability brings together a community prepared to face challenges and extend a helping hand.
In Miami and New York City, individuals with roots in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas are mobilizing efforts to gather essential supplies, filling warehouses with donations to help those devastated by Melissa, now recognized as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes.
Miami, often seen as a cultural melting pot, has become a home to a large number of immigrants. Miami-Dade County surpasses native-born Americans in terms of its foreign-born population, which includes over a million Cubans and many Jamaicans. These communities have deeply intertwined connections back to the Caribbean, especially in the face of natural disasters like Melissa.
Donation fatigue is not something we can afford to entertain for Haiti, said Carine Jocelyn, CEO of Diaspora Community Services based in Brooklyn. As disasters continue to strike home, she emphasizes the importance of verified giving to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
Nonprofits recommend cash donations are crucial, with platforms such as Charity Navigator facilitating the process.
At a bustling warehouse in Coconut Creek, volunteers from Food For The Poor prepared emergency care packages, gearing up to send aid directly to Jamaica. Susan James-Casserly, who has ties to Jamaica and boasts a long history of aiding her countrymen, reflects on the resilience of the Jamaican people: I know we are ready to help.
In areas like Miramar, city officials are spearheading collection efforts, turning local sites into drop-off points for essential supplies. The cooperation among residents illustrates a strong connection to their Caribbean roots.
As contributions pour in, those in the diaspora experience a mix of concern and determination to aid relatives affected by the storm, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to their homeland.
This moment of vulnerability brings together a community prepared to face challenges and extend a helping hand.
