Hurricane Melissa 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.
Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery. If you prefer, you may mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricane Melissa” in the memo section. You may also text UCCDISASTER to 41444.
Thank you for your support.
Photo courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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UCC
PO Box 71957
Cleveland, OH 44194
Please note your gift designation in the check memo line or include a cover letter.
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Dear:
I would like to make a gift of stock on [insert date] to the United Church of Christ in support of (Annual Fund, Wider Church Ministries, etc). Please transfer [number] shares of [company name] to the charity on [indicate month, year when you would like transfer to occur].
Transfer information:
KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc. Pershing (receiving firm)
Corporate Investment Services
Mail Drop: OH-01-27-0749
127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (800) 233-2460
Fax: (216) 689-8282
DTC Number: 0443
Account Name: United Church of Christ (Tax I.D. Number 34-1927041)
Account Number: RF4403380
Please inform the United Church of Christ of my gift. Contact information is as follows:
United Church of Christ
Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity, and Communication
PO Box 71957
Cleveland, OH 44194
E-mail: giving@ucc.org
Phone: (800) 846-6822
The United Church of Christ will also provide me with a receipt for this gift.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
cc: United Church of Christ
Donor Advised Fund
Thank you for donating to the United Church of Christ through your Donor Advised Fund. We are grateful for your wonderful support. Below are the steps to complete your transaction.
- Contact the Philanthropy team at the United Church of Christ about your gift at giving@ucc.org or 1-800-846-6822.
- Our Tax I.D. Number is 34-1927041.
- Direct your advisor to mail the check from your donor advised fund to:
United Church of Christ
PO Box 71957
Cleveland, OH 44194
Please direct questions to giving@ucc.org.
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