When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, the destruction rippled far beyond the islands. In Connecticut, where Caribbean ties run deep, people are stepping up to help.
Across the state, churches, nonprofits, and community groups are collecting supplies, organizing fundraisers, and coordinating with relief efforts to get aid where it’s needed most. Some are sending barrels of food and clothing. Others are raising money for rebuilding and recovery.
For many here, the response is personal. Friends, family, and hometowns are among those hardest hit.
Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor, said at a Nov. 7 press conference:
“For the United States, our responsibility is perhaps a little bit more … if you look at the total impact on the climate by the Caribbean islands, it’s negligible, but the impact on the climate by the U.S. has been very high. We have a responsibility to react … because we are, collectively as a world, responsible for what’s happening now.”
Why Connecticut is responding
Connecticut has one of the largest Caribbean populations in New England, with thousands of residents tracing roots to Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti and other islands. Many still have family and friends directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. Because of those ties, local organizations are mobilizing with urgency.
How to help
Experts say the best way to provide help right now is to donate to organizations that already have operations on the ground. Financial donations allow these groups to quickly purchase and distribute the resources most urgently needed.
National and international aid organizations
- Americares: Provides emergency medicine, supplies and other aid to disaster victims.
- World Central Kitchen: Mobilizes food and relief workers to get meals where they’re needed.
- International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: Offers humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
- UNICEF USA: Provides supplies and protection for children affected by disasters.
Local efforts across Connecticut
Jamaican American Connection: Based in New Haven, JAC is collecting non-perishable goods and essential items to support recovery efforts.
Items Needed:
- Non-perishable food
- Cleaning supplies
- Tarps and ropes
- Candles and matches
- Flashlights and batteries
- Medical and first aid supplies
- Hygiene and personal care items
- Manual can openers
- Water purifying tablets
- Small tools (hammers, nails, tape, etc.)
- Power banks for charging phones and small electronics
- Baby items (diapers, wipes, etc.)
- Barrels and packing supplies
Donation Drop-Off Locations:
- Shubert Theatre — 247 College St., New Haven. Mon–Fri: 12–4 p.m.
- Possible Futures Bookstore — 318 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. Tues–Sat: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar — 1313 Connecticut Ave., Studio 1-1, Bridgeport. Fri: 5–7:30 p.m., Sat: 12–7:30 p.m., Sun: 1–3 p.m.
- FaithActs for Education Office — The Lab at ConCorp, 496 Newhall St., Hamden. Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- African American Society — 12 Manila Ave., Hamden. Mon–Fri: 12–4 p.m.
JAC said it will partner closely with the American Friends of Jamaica to ensure that donated items reach those in need.
The Irie Society: New Haven area. Founded by emergency nurse Brittany Daire, the Irie Society is running ongoing drives at:
- Good Life Caribbean Cuisine — 161 Chapel St., New Haven
- Trachouse Cares Foundation — 39 Frontage Road, East Haven
- Stetson Branch Library — 197 Dixwell Ave., New Haven
Central Connecticut efforts
West Indian Social Club of Hartford and West Indian Foundation Inc. These organizations are leading the “Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund,” collecting funds and physical donations.
General needs list:
- Shelter and temporary accommodation
- Water, sanitation and hygiene
- Debris clearance and tools
- Health and medical supplies
- Agriculture and livestock support
- Environmental health
“The West Indian Foundation is acting as the judiciary arm of this process,” said D. Jackie Evans Phillips, president of the organization. “We are seeking donations and partnerships with schools, hospitals, and community groups to coordinate efforts statewide.”
How to Donate:
- Checks: West Indian Foundation Inc., 116 Cottage Grove Road, Ste. 204, Bloomfield, CT 06002
- Zelle: (860) 503-4819 (West Indian Fdn)
Volunteer: Sign up to help with the Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief Fund here.
Donation drop-off locations (Central Connecticut)
Hartford
- West Indian Social Club of Hartford (Relief Hub), 3340 Main St. Daily, 6–9 p.m.
- North United Methodist Church, 1205 Albany Ave. Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 10–2 p.m.; Sun: 8–1 p.m.
- Hartford Fire Dept. Engine Co. 10, 510 Franklin Ave. Daily, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, 280 Huyshope Ave. Mon & Thurs: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Semilla Café, 1283 Main St. Mon: 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tues–Thurs: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri–Sun: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Windsor
- Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad St. Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bloomfield
- Rehoboth Church of God, 1170 Blue Hills Ave. Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Manchester
- Fish N Tingz Bar & Grill, 384 Middle Turnpike West. Sun: 12–8 p.m.; Thurs: 4–11 p.m.; Fri: 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sat: 12 p.m.–1 a.m.
- Manchester Church of Christ, 595 Tolland Turnpike. Through Nov. 10
Glastonbury
- A Step Above Childcare, 30 Quarry Road. Mon–Fri: 1–3 p.m.
Contacting loved ones
- For U.S. citizens abroad: U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Citizens Services — 1-888-407-4747 or travel.state.gov
- For non-U.S. citizens: Restoring Family Links Inquiry Form via the American Red Cross
- Outside the U.S.: Contact your local Red Cross or Red Crescent Society through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
If you know of additional local donation drives, fundraisers or organizations assisting with Hurricane Melissa relief, please contact CT Mirror reporters Reginald David or Mariana Navarrete so they can be added to this list.