UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 12:32 PM EST

Hurricane Melissa began as a tropical storm and rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 5 hurricane on Monday, October 27—ranking among one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Melissa produced maximum sustained winds of 185 mph at its peak, bringing torrential rainfall, dangerous flooding, landslides, storm surge, and destructive winds across the Caribbean, affecting Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Melissa made its first landfall as a Category 5 hurricane near New Hope, Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28 and made a second landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning, October 29, leaving behind a path of widespread devastation.

Having previously responded to numerous catastrophic disasters in the Caribbean, Matthew 25: Ministries has multiple long-standing, strong partnerships in these areas. Recent shipments of essential supplies to Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad have allowed these partners to have pre-positioned aid to be used for immediate and rapid disaster response. Matthew 25 worked with these and additional partners serving the impacted region to provide rapid and long-term support. So far, Matthew 25 has shipped over 500,000 meals and provided over 300,000 pounds of supplies to partners serving the disaster region. Matthew 25 will continue to assist through shipments of critical aid as long as needed. In addition, Matthew 25: Ministries deployed a medical mission team of doctors, nurses, and support staff, offering on-the-ground medical clinics and delivering essential care to multiple impacted communities, serving more than 350 patients.

“Hurricane Melissa is causing widespread destruction in the Caribbean. Our team is working with partners to provide comfort, care, and essential resources to those affected.  I have visited the region and saw firsthand the incredible resilience of the people we help. Jamaica has been one of our valued partner countries and in times like these, it’s critical that we come together to meet immediate needs and bring hope to communities facing unimaginable challenges.”  Tim Mettey, CEO

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2025 Hurricane Melissa may do so by writing “2025 Hurricane Melissa” in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the “Additional Information” field of the online giving form. Please mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. 100% of donated funds designated for the 2025 Hurricane Melissa will be used for the purpose intended.