One Year After Hurricane Melissa: Recovery Continues Across the Caribbean

The Salvation Army's Commitment Endures Long After the Storm

One year ago, Hurricane Melissa tore through parts of the Caribbean, leaving families, homes and communities across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba facing widespread devastation. As residents prepared for the storm's arrival, The Salvation Army was already on the ground helping vulnerable communities prepare for what lay ahead.

Today, one year later, that commitment remains unchanged.

From emergency food distributions and shelter support to home repairs, education assistance and community rebuilding projects, The Salvation Army has stood alongside survivors every step of the recovery journey, helping thousands of families move from crisis toward stability.

Preparing Communities Before the Storm

Before Hurricane Melissa made landfall, Salvation Army teams worked across affected communities to help residents prepare and stay safe. In Jamaica, officers, staff and volunteers encouraged residents to move to government-designated shelters, including individuals experiencing homelessness who regularly receive support through Salvation Army outreach programs.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) also activated its international emergency communications system, helping distribute critical weather and emergency information to communities that may not have had access to traditional communication channels.

Responding When It Mattered Most

Because of its long-standing presence in the region, The Salvation Army was able to respond immediately after the storm passed.

Working alongside local teams and international personnel from Australia, Canada, England, Iceland and the United States, emergency relief operations delivered food, water, hygiene supplies and other essentials to families facing immense loss.

In Jamaica alone, The Salvation Army provided:

• More than 10,000 food parcels
• 66,300 cooked meals
• 133,110 meal kits
• 33,000 hygiene items
• 6,900 care parcels containing essentials such as flashlights, blankets and socks

Additional assistance included clothing, baby supplies, cleaning products, paper goods, tarps and tents to help families meet their most urgent needs.

The response also benefited from strong partnerships across the humanitarian and private sectors. Organizations including Convoy of Hope, Greater Good Charities, GlobalMedic, Operation Blessing, Food For The Poor, Rotary Club, Khalsa Aid and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped expand relief efforts. The Salvation Army also worked alongside World Central Kitchen and Mercy Chefs to provide meals and other critical support.

To help reconnect isolated communities, Starlink satellite units provided through partners were installed in affected areas, restoring vital communications and internet access. Throughout the response, officers, volunteers and mission partners also offered emotional and spiritual care to individuals coping with loss and uncertainty.

In Haiti, emergency food and hygiene assistance helped families address immediate needs in the wake of the disaster. Meanwhile, in eastern Cuba, rapid-response efforts delivered food, drinking water, hygiene kits and household essentials, helping communities begin the difficult process of rebuilding.

Stories from the Recovery

Investing in Long-Term Recovery

While emergency relief was essential, recovery did not end when immediate needs were met.

Over the past year, The Salvation Army has focused on helping families rebuild their homes, restore stability and create a stronger foundation for the future.

In Jamaica, 310 households are receiving hardware store vouchers to purchase essential building materials such as roofing supplies and windows. By allowing families to determine their most urgent repair needs, the program provides greater flexibility and dignity while ensuring assistance reflects each household's unique circumstances.

The approach also supports local economic recovery by directing resources through community businesses and suppliers.

Recognizing the impact disasters have on children and education, The Salvation Army is also helping students return to the classroom. Families have received vouchers for school uniforms and supplies, reducing financial barriers while giving parents the freedom to select the items best suited to their children's needs.

In some of the hardest-hit communities, The Salvation Army is restoring school greenhouses and providing agricultural resources that support school feeding programs. These efforts help schools resume meal production, improve food security and support educational continuity for vulnerable students.

A Promise Kept

Hurricane Melissa may have passed a year ago, but for many families, recovery is still underway.

The Salvation Army's work across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba reflects a commitment that extends beyond immediate disaster relief. It is a promise to walk alongside communities for the long term, helping families rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and regain hope.

One year later, that work continues. Thanks to the generosity of supporters around the world, The Salvation Army remains alongside those affected by Hurricane Melissa, helping communities recover today while building resilience for tomorrow.