Want to help those impacted by Hurricane Melissa? Tips on where to turn

While we re still waiting to hear the full extent of Hurricane Melissa s impact on the Caribbean what is clear is that a lot of endorsement is needed WTOP has details on how you can help those impacted by the Category storm that swept through Jamaica Cuba the Bahamas and Bermuda Look for organizations you trust and that you believe have that mindset to look at proximate community-led solutions noted Patricia McIlreavy president and CEO of the D C -based Center for Accident Philanthropy She declared the one thing they don t need right now in Jamaica and the other areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa is for people to send clothes and other items We constantly say cash is best It s flexible It changes shape on its way and it can be adaptable to the group s necessities and changeable as time goes on McIlreavy mentioned She declared they are working closely with the local governments and getting more information about what is needed right now and in the future The regime of Jamaica has already given quite a lot of detail in terms of what they re hoping people would do which includes an appeal to not send stuff So island disasters can be especially complicated in terms of logistics she commented The Center for Catastrophe Philanthropy is particularly looking to help with giving assistance for the long-term It s the long arc of recovery when the media has authentically stopped covering it when we ve kind of forgotten that this predicament is occurring That s when the real requirements are identified McIlreavy announced How do we get communities to build back and to be stronger after this mishap Where can you donate There are several nonprofit organizations that are stepping up to help bring relief to the Caribbean D C -based Airlink works with major airlines such as United and American using extra cargo space to help humanitarian organizations They accept cash and crypto donations and donations of frequent flyer miles American Friends of Jamaica is as of now matching donations to its Accident Relief Fund of up to million The nonprofit GiveDirectly will deliver urgency cash directly to Jamaica households attempting to raise million They are accepting cash donations CORE will arrive in Jamaica when airports reopen to deliver relief items such as hygiene kits and tarps conduct anatomical assessments and distribute cash assistance They are accepting cash donations to its Urgency Response Fund and its board of directors is matching up to The Associated Press contributed to this record Source