Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts
Hurricane Melissa has now passed through Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, leaving widespread flooding, power outages, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO) is working with community partners to deliver urgently needed relief supplies and recovery support to affected families.
Our mission is to ensure help reaches those who need it most — providing clean water, emergency gear, food, and recovery assistance throughout the Caribbean.
How You Can Help
- Donate Supplies
Visit our Hurricane Melissa Amazon Relief Registry to purchase critical recovery items such as water filters, flashlights, and portable radios. All items ship directly to CANDO and will be distributed to impacted communities.
- Give Financially
Your monetary donations help cover shipping, logistics, and critical on-the-ground support. Click here to donate.
Every item and every dollar makes a difference in helping families recover, rebuild, and restore hope across the Caribbean.
- Drop Off Donations
You can also bring new, unopened relief supplies to our local drop-off site:
Jerk Hut - 1241 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
As of right now, we have a limited list of accepted items due to regulations at the border entry and weight restrictions.
Accepted Items: Solar chargers · Solar lights · First aid kits · Water filters · Hygiene items · Toothbrushes · Diapers · Baby formula · Trash bags · Multivitamins · Disinfecting wipes · Concentrated Lysol · Dawn dish soap · Water testing kits
Together, Wi CAN DO!
Ways to Help
Monetary Donation
Amazon Donation Registry
Amazon Donation Registry
Your generous monetary donation helps purchase critical supplies like food, water, hygiene products, and shelter.
Amazon Donation Registry
Amazon Donation Registry
Amazon Donation Registry
Donate items from a Donation Registry. Items are sent directly to CANDO's Disaster Recovery Site on your behalf.
Volunteer
Amazon Donation Registry
Volunteer
Volunteer to support Hurricane Melissa Relief efforts.
South Tampa Chamber Hurricane Hero!
CANDO Recognized as South Tampa Chamber Hurricane Hero: A Community Effort
At CANDO, our mission has always been to serve and uplift our community, especially during times of crisis. We are honored and humbled to share that we have been recognized as a South Tampa Chamber Hurricane Hero for our efforts in supporting the community in the aftermath of recent hurricanes.
This award is not just a recognition of our organization—it’s a celebration of the incredible network of volunteers, partners, and supporters who made this possible.
The Spirit of Resilience
The recent hurricanes brought challenges that tested our community’s resilience. Homes were damaged, resources were stretched thin, and many of our neighbors faced uncertainty. But in the face of adversity, we came together, leaning on each other for strength.
CANDO worked tirelessly to provide relief, collaborating with other organizations and volunteers to ensure our neighbors had access to the resources they needed. From distributing essential supplies to offering comfort and hope, every action taken was a step toward rebuilding and recovery.
Thank You
Disaster Resource Guide
FEMA
FEMA Individual Assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Individual Assistance can include funds for temporary housing, funds to repair your home, and funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and needs. Click learn more for a complete list of eligible counties.
FEMA Appeals
If you received a FEMA decision that you do not agree with, you are entitled to an appeal to have FEMA review your file again. This will give you an opportunity to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may change the decision. An appeal must be made in writing, sent by mail or fax, and sent within 60 days of the date on the FEMA letter. Click learn more to file a appeal.
D-SNAP
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department).
211
United Way can help connect disaster survivors and other members of communities with local and government resources. This service can be accessed just by dialing 211 on a local phone, and helps survivors find resources for basic needs like housing, food, transportation, healthcare and more.
Insurance Claims
If you have suffered damage to your property and have insurance, be sure to read and understand your insurance policies thoroughly when making a claim. Policies can differ in types of coverage and required information, and the time to provide that information to your insurer is often limited. Click learn more to access this resource.
Beware of Fraud
In the wake of a disaster, it is common for scam artists and criminals to try to take advantage of disaster survivors. Be careful with whom you share personal information and report any suspicious activity. Click learn more for information on disaster fraud and scams.
Unlicensed Contractor
Click report now to report unlicensed contracting activity to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
If you lost your job or had your self-employment interrupted because of the hurricane, you may be eligible for DUA. Click learn more to file a claim.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
Disaster Recovery Centers are coordinated efforts with FEMA, local government, and disaster relief groups to provide a place for disaster survivors to access various resources, apply for assistance, and receive information on disaster recovery. To determine if a DRC is open in your area, click learn more.
Disaster Legal Aid Helpline
The Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline is available for disaster survivors anywhere in the State of Florida. The hotline is available to provide disaster survivors who cannot afford an attorney with free legal advice, and to connect those survivors with legal aid where they live for needed assistance.
