On October 28th, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful and destructive Category 5 storms on record in the Caribbean. Its devastation also impacted Haiti and Cuba.

Presently, 13,000 people in Jamaica remain in shelters and 34 fatalities have been reported – a number that is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Authorities in Haiti report 25 fatalities, with that number also expected to rise in the coming days.

At this time, we are issuing an appeal to help immediate and long-term recovery efforts in these Caribbean countries. The primary needs at this recovery stage are shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and food. Please consider making a donation to support our recovery efforts. Your generous support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need.

Through ACT Alliance and Church World Service, the UCC is working to get resources for those who need them.
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.

Please consider making a gift today. Thank you for your past support of disaster relief efforts that have rebuilt communities around the world. We do this work through your generosity.

Our local churches have been generous supporters of the UCC National's request for assistance in addressing national and international disasters. On behalf of the Southwest Conference, Dr. Gloria extends our appreciation to your congregations. Should your church decide they wish to contribute to this disaster, please send your donations to the Southwest Conference so that we can record your service and generosity along with your other special offerings.

If you have any questions, Dr. Gloria will be in the office on Thursday, November 6th, after the Arizona Clergy Retreat.