Hurricane relief for Jamaica: How you can help now with a fundraising campaign
After Hurricane Melissa: Direct aid for Jamaica arrives immediately! Start a fundraising campaign now for your local contacts on GoodCrowd.org.
Daniela Antons
GoodCrowd.org
Reading time: 5 min
Updated: 07.11.2025
The current situation in the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. Many people have lost their homes and are left with nothing. In Jamaica, small communities in Montego Bay and Westmoreland have been particularly affected, where people have lost not only their homes but often their entire livelihoods.
We know that there are already many generous donors to large organisations. And yet, unfortunately, this aid arrives late, if at all, to the small communities. Financial aid to private contacts on the ground helps immediately. With a fundraising campaign on GoodCrowd.org, you can help quickly and directly – whether for friends in Jamaica, Cuba or Haiti whom you have met, or for affected communities.
Solidarity through personal connections
Many of us have personal connections to the Caribbean – whether through family living there, travel or friendships. Despite structural challenges and limited resources, local communities organise themselves and support each other. Now that these communities have been affected by natural disasters, it is time for mutual solidarity.
These campaigns for Jamaica show how it's done
There are already three fundraising campaigns for Jamaica running on GoodCrowd.org. The campaign initiators are activating their personal networks for their local contacts.
1. Emergency aid for family members from Jamaica
Daniela, from near Vienna, is collecting donations for her aunt Babette's sister and other relatives in Jamaica, who have lost almost everything, including their home. [Click here for the campaign]
2. Emergency aid for a community in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Alfonso Biasi from Hamburg has launched a campaign for a small community in Montego Bay. A good friend there is trying to help his neighbourhood with his own resources – but the need is too great. People have lost everything and are struggling to find drinking water, food and a roof over their heads. The community is organising itself, but needs financial support from outside. [You can support the campaign here]
3. Rebuilding for ‘Sweetie Pie’ in Brighton, Jamaica
Theresia Specht from St. Pölten is collecting donations for Theresa, affectionately known as ‘Sweetie Pie’, whose house and small shop by the sea were severely damaged. Theresa is a central pillar of her community – someone who is always helping others. Now she needs support. [You can donate here]
Why you should start your own campaign NOW
These two campaigns show that direct, personal solidarity works! If you have connections to Jamaica, Cuba or Haiti, now is the time to act:
- Do you have friends in the Caribbean? Activate your network here for people there
- Do you have family or relatives in Jamaica, Cuba or Haiti? Mobilise your network in the UK or Ireland
- Does your community or organisation have partnerships? Use existing connections for direct support
- Do you know people from the Jamaican, Cuban or Haitian community? Support them in helping their communities
- Do you have cultural or business connections? Show your solidarity now
How to start your solidarity campaign in 5 minutes
- Create a campaign: Register for free at GoodCrowd.org
- Tell your story: Describe your personal connection and why solidarity is important now
- Set a specific goal: Name a realistic amount and what it will be used for
- Add photos: Show the people or communities – with their consent
- Share and mobilise: Use WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook
What your solidarity can achieve
- €500 = Basic drinking water and food supplies for a family for one month
- €1,000 = Materials for community-led repairs
- €2,500 = Rebuilding a small shop that supplies families
- €5,000 = Support for community reconstruction projects
Tips for a successful solidarity campaign
Authenticity and respect
Talk about your personal connection and focus on the strength of the people, not just their hardship. Emphasise that it is about mutual solidarity.
Be specific
Name names, places and specific goals – always with the consent of those affected. ‘Support for self-organised neighbourhood assistance in Negril’ shows respect and specificity.
Create transparency
Explain exactly how the money will be used and who will coordinate its distribution on the ground. Show that the communities themselves decide what they need most urgently.
Activate your network
Your first 5 donations are crucial. Ask family and close friends first – their support will motivate others. More tips on how to share your campaign here.
Why GoodCrowd.org for solidarity with the Caribbean?
- 100% social, 0% profit: We are a 100% daughter of the non-profit organisation gut.org gAG – all income goes towards running the platform and supporting the campaigns.
- Value-based: We stand for solidarity and social justice.
- No basic fees: Starting a campaign is completely free of charge.
- Immediate help: Donations go directly to the campaign starters.
- Personal support: We support you in German and English.
Solidarity together – start now!
Hurricane Melissa has destroyed the livelihoods of many people in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. But the communities are once again demonstrating their incredible strength and organising themselves. With our financial solidarity, we can support them in rebuilding their lives on their own terms. Every campaign, every donation and every share makes a difference.
Frequently asked questions
General questions about emergency aid
1. Why should I start my own campaign instead of donating to large organisations?
Large aid organisations do important work, but help often reaches small communities with a delay or not at all. Financial aid via private contacts on the ground helps immediately and directly where it is most urgently needed.
2. I don't know anyone personally in the affected areas. Can I still help?
Yes! You can support existing campaigns, such as [Emergency Aid for Montego Bay] or [Rebuilding Sweetie Pie]. Sharing the campaigns within your network also helps enormously.
3. How do I know that the money is actually reaching its destination?
At GoodCrowd.org, donations go directly to the campaign initiators. They usually have personal connections in the area and provide updates on how the money is being used. This direct connection makes the aid transparent and traceable. The GoodCrowd team also asks campaign starters for receipts for the donations spent. More information here.
Questions about starting a campaign
4. Who can start a campaign?
Anyone residing in Germany or Austria can start a campaign free of charge. You don't need any special qualifications – just a connection to people in the affected areas and the will to help.
5. How long does it take to create a campaign?
You can have your campaign online in just 5 minutes: register, tell your story, set your goal, upload a photo – done!
6. How much does it cost to start a campaign?
Nothing! Creating a campaign is completely free. There are only fees of 2.7% + £0.35 per donation, which go to the financial service providers. The fees for payment service providers are deducted automatically.
7. I'm not good at writing or marketing. Can I still be successful?
Absolutely! Authenticity is more important than perfect marketing. Just tell your personal story and why helping is important to you. We also support you with tips and best practices.
Practical questions
8. How quickly will I receive the money?
Donations are paid directly into your account. The exact duration depends on the chosen payment method: via PayPal it takes 1-3 days, via Stripe (bank transfer or credit card) it takes up to 10 days.
9. Can I also donate from other countries?
Yes! Donations are possible internationally. However, the campaign itself can only be started by people residing in Germany or Austria.
10. How much should I set as my donation goal?
Be realistic and specific. Think about what exactly needs to be financed: £500 for basic supplies for a family, £2,500 for rebuilding a small business. It is better to set an achievable target that you can increase later.
11. Do I have to show photos of those affected?
Photos make your campaign more personal and successful. Important: always obtain the consent of the people pictured. Show their strength, not just their hardship. You can also simply use photos of the destroyed houses.
12. Can I edit my campaign afterwards?
Yes, you can post updates, adjust the donation target and add new information at any time.
13. How do I keep my supporters up to date?
Use the news function on GoodCrowd.org to report on progress. This strengthens trust and motivates further donations and sharing. Here you will find tips for mobilising updates.
