Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall as a Category 3 Storm in the Eastern Provinces

More than one million people have been affected. Families are displaced, homes are destroyed, and entire communities are struggling to access food and clean water.

Within hours of landfall Caritas Cuba was on the ground delivering food, water, and hygiene supplies in Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Bayamo and by dispatching multiple vans of aid from Pinar del Río, Havana, and Matanzas to the eastern provinces.

In addition, they are working with local partners to deliver more food and water to families in need. Each family will receive a bag with rice, protein and other basic necessities. A second delivery of food and water is expected this week, to continue sustaining families and they are also expanding services at existing dining halls (comedores) and opening emergency comedores to serve additional families.

We couldn’t be more grateful for your generosity, but there is so much more to accomplish. 

Homes have been severely damaged or destroyed and the damage to fruit trees and agriculture is extensive. While providing immediate food, water and shelter to the many displaced families is an immediate priority, we also need to help them fix their damaged homes and begin to put their lives together again.

We have lead this type of time-sensitive humanitarian work in response to natural disasters in Cuba since 2008 and our network of food and materials (food, roofing, mattresses) partners are mobilized and ready to go, with your continued support!

With our sincere thanks,

The Board of Directors and Staff of Friends of Caritas Cubana

To make a donation simply click on a the donate button or send a check to:

Friends of Caritas Cuba/Hurricane Melissa Relief
81 Washington Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140