Hurricane Melissa Relief

Published on October 30, 2025

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, devastating communities on the island and across the Caribbean.

South Florida Caribbean Strong, in partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and The Miami Foundation, is coordinating regional relief efforts to provide critical aid, including food, water, medical supplies and shelter. Below are ways Sunny Isles Beach residents can contribute to recovery efforts.

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:

MONETARY DONATIONS

Cash donations are preferred to help cover transportation costs and purchase essential supplies such as generators, medical kits, and hygiene products. Below are verified relief organizations accepting donations:

The Miami Foundation – U.S. Caribbean Strong Relief Fund
Established to support Caribbean disaster relief efforts
miamifoundation.org

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
Primary mobilization partner for South Florida relief efforts
www.globalempowermentmission.org

Food For The Poor
Jamaican-founded nonprofit based in Coconut Creek, FL
www.foodforthepoor.org

American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)
U.S.-based nonprofit supporting Jamaica's ODPEM (lead emergency management agency)
theafj.org/disaster-relief

World Central Kitchen (WCK)
Working with Jamaican chefs and restaurants to prepare meals post-landfall
www.wck.org

SUPPLY DONATIONS

Priority Items Needed:

Tarps
Generators
Canned Foods
Hygiene Kits

Important: Please do not send used clothing or linens.

Purchase & Ship Supplies: You can directly purchase and ship requested relief supplies to the GEM warehouse. Visit: linktr.ee/sflcaribbeanstrong

Drop-Off Locations

City of Miami Gardens

Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex – 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Miami Gardens Police Department – 18611 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

City of Homestead

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM

City Hall – 100 Civic Court, Homestead, FL
Homestead Police Department – 45 NW First Avenue, Homestead, FL
Pichol Williams Community Center – 951 SW 4th Street, Homestead, FL
(Also open Saturdays, 8 AM–5 PM)

City of Hollywood

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM

Fire Station 5 – 1819 N. 21st Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33020
Fire Station 31 – 3401 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021
Fire Station 40 – 707 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33019
Fire Station 45 – 1810 N. 64th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021
Fire Station 74 – 2741 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Fire Station 105 – 1511 S. Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020

City of Miramar

Fire Station 19 – 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023
Fire Station 70 – 9001 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025
Fire Station 84 – 14801 SW 27th Street, Miramar, FL 33027
Fire Station 100 – 2800 SW 184th Avenue, Miramar, FL 33029
Fire Station 107 – 11811 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023
Miramar Police Headquarters – 11765 City Hall Promenade, Miramar, FL 33025

City of Lauderhill

Lauderhill City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th Street
John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Avenue
Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Avenue
Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Avenue
Joy's Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Avenue

Additional Locations

Jerk Machine Restaurant – 317 SW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Hours: Mon–Sat, 4–8 PM | Contact: Catherine Malcolm (954) 980-0011
Walker's Chiropractic & Wellness – 8844 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025
Thomas Ed Learning Center – 2655 S. State Rd 7, Suite E820, Wellington, FL 33414

Juici Patties Locations: Multiple locations accepting donations in Miramar, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Sunrise, Davie, West Palm Beach, Greenacres, and Coral Springs. Visit www.juicipattiesusa.com for locations.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join Emergency Kit Assembly Efforts

Location: Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Warehouse
1850 NW 84th Avenue, #100, Doral, FL 33126

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10 AM–1 PM & 2 PM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–2 PM

Volunteers are needed to help assemble emergency kits, sort donations, and prepare supplies for shipment to Jamaica.

Florida Highway Patrol Humanitarian Relief Drive

The Florida Highway Patrol, in partnership with GEM Global Empowerment Mission and multiple law enforcement agencies, is coordinating a Humanitarian Relief Drive for Hurricane Melissa victims.

Local Drop-Off Location

Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL

Dates: November 4th & 5th, 2025
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily
Location: Eastside in front of the Apple Store

Accepted Items

Shelter & Relief Supplies: Tarpaulins, temporary shelter tents, mattresses and cots, blankets and sheets, roofing material, plastic sheeting, cooking sets and fuel, non-perishable food, infant care kits (diapers, wipes, formula), adult incontinence supplies, large plastic storage bins, portable toilets/chemical latrines, ensure/nutrition drinks for seniors

Health & Hygiene: Hygiene kits/supplies, mosquito repellent and nets, disinfectants and cleaning agents, first-aid supplies and medicines, garbage bags, water purification tablets/filters, 5-gallon water bladders

Tools & Recovery Equipment: Chainsaws, rotary rescue saws, portable emergency lighting/solar lanterns, work-style gloves, shovels, rakes, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, fuel containers and chainsaw oil, water boots, heavy duty extension cords and power strips, heavy duty push brooms with handles

Administrative, Communication & Support: Tablets/mobile devices with data, charging stations, high-visibility vests and ID badges, two-way radios/portable Wi-Fi, stationery and clipboards, psychosocial support kits/play items, cooling fans (battery/solar)

Important: No clothing or used items accepted. Every item must be boxed and labeled.