CLEARWATER — Hurricane Melissa’s devastating eyewall is now coming ashore in Jamaica. It has been reported that this Category 5 storm will be the most powerful hurricane to ever directly impact the island. With evacuation orders issued for coastal areas, many families are preparing for the severe weather and potential displacement.

7 Tips to Support Trusted Hurricane Relief Efforts

In times like these, acts of kindness make a difference. We offer these tips to help you support trusted Hurricane Melissa relief efforts:

1. Give to Experienced Groups: Support experienced organizations that stand ready to provide quick and effective assistance. Be cautious of new organizations that appear overnight following a disaster, as they may lack the capacity or experience to follow through on their promises.
2. Check for On-the-Ground Presence: Find out whether the charity already has staff or partners in the affected areas. Organizations with an existing local presence are often able to respond more quickly and effectively than those bringing in new teams.
3. Give Money Rather Than Goods (especially overseas): Cash donations are often the quickest and most effective way to help. They allow relief organizations to pursue what’s most needed efficiently. While donating food, clothing, or supplies is generous, these items can be difficult to store and distribute unless the organization specifically requests them.
4. Look for Appeal Clarity: Choose appeals that are upfront and transparent about what your donation supports. When disaster relief solicitations sound urgent but provide little detail about how funds will be used, don’t feel pressured to give.
5. Be Wary of “100 Percent” Claims: Be skeptical of claims that 100 percent of your donation will go directly to programs or victims. Even legitimate organizations incur administrative and operational expenses. Transparency about these costs is a sign of good management, not inefficiency.
6. Understand Crowdfunding: If you choose to give through crowdfunding, it is safest to contribute to campaigns organized by people or groups you know and trust. Review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet posts, others don’t.
7. Rely on Expert Opinion: Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Give.org recommends giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Always visit Give.org to find out more about the charity you are considering supporting.

BBB Accredited Charities Responding to Hurricane Melissa

The following organizations are BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that are currently collecting funds in preparation for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

• American Red Cross
• Americares Foundation
• Catholic Relief Services
• Direct Relief
• Episcopal Relief and Development
• Food for the Poor
• GlobalGiving
• International Medical Corps
• Salvation Army
• Save the Children

Additional BBB Accredited Charities will be added at https://give.org/news/hurricane-melissa-wise-giving-tips  as we learn about their Hurricane Melissa relief-related activities.

ABOUT BBB:
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 720,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida is one of many local, independent BBBs across North America that provide business profiles on companies within its 11 county service area.  These counties include: Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee & Collier. 

To contact BBB Serving West Florida about this release please call Bryan Oglesby (727) 530-4651 or boglesby@bbbwestflorida.org