UCC issues appeal to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal to support those who’ve been impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The Hurricane has been recorded as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin when it made landfall in Jamaica Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. The 13th named storm of the season did not have any direct impact on mainland United States.

The appeal, which was enacted by UCC General Minister and President/CEO the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, along with the UCC’s Disasters Ministries Team calls the church to give to support the immediate recovery, and relief efforts that will be needed on ground in Jamaica.

“In the coming days and weeks, the focus will shift to debris removal and restoration of access. Long-term support for reconstruction of homes, recovery of livelihoods, and restoration of community services will be essential in the days, months, and years ahead,” the appeal said.

You can read the appeal in its entirety below. CLICK HERE to donate and to learn more about how your funds will be used to support relief efforts. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28th, 2025 as a category 5 storm. With sustained wind speeds more than 175 mph, Melissa is the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica since records began being kept. As of October 30th, most of the island remains without power, telecommunications and other basic utilities. Presently, 13,000 people in Jamaica remain in shelters across the island and 34 fatalities have been reported – a number that is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. 

After making its way across Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made a second landfall on Cuba’s southeastern shore as a category 3 storm and inflicted significant flooding and wind damage across the southeastern part of the country.

In Haiti, heavy sustained winds from Hurricane Melissa’s rain bands and significant storm surge led to severe flooding and landslides. Authorities in Haiti report 25 fatalities, with that number also expected to rise in the coming days.

The United Church of Christ is issuing an appeal to support the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities across the region. The primary needs at this stage of recovery are shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, and food. In the coming days and weeks, the focus will shift to debris removal and restoration of access. Long-term support for reconstruction of homes, recovery of livelihoods, and restoration of community services will be essential in the days, months, and years ahead.

Through ACT Alliance’s Rapid Response Fund and our long-standing partnership with Church World Service, the UCC is already working to get resources for those that need them across the region. Through Global Ministries, we are also in contact with our partners in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti and are working quickly to accompany and support their response efforts.

All donations will be deposited into the International Emergency fund designated for “Hurricane Melissa Response.” Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery.

Prayer:

God of love and mercy who sustains us in all of life’s moments,

Be with those whose lives are forever altered by nature’s wrath, and those seeking peace amidst chaos.

Compel the kindness of strangers and friends alike as we surround Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas with solidarity and support in this moment of immense need.

We trust that through your community, our accompaniment may be made known.

May we all know your love and support. Amen.