Live Updates

Pali Hub Opens in Pacific Palisades Long-Term Wildfire Recovery Starts Here:

More than a year after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, a new chapter begins. In partnership, the Palisades Long Term Recovery Group (Pali LTRG) and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) USA West have opened the Pali Hub - a centralized Disaster Recovery & Resilience Center bringing long-term support directly to the community.

By combining the national scale of GEM with the local leadership of Pali LTRG, the Pali Hub represents a new model for disaster recovery - one built on partnership, efficiency, and community resilience.

Designed as a single point of entry, the Pali Hub connects wildfire-impacted individuals and families with critical resources that they need to rebuild their lives with dignity, clarity, and sustained care. Including disaster case management, FEMA assistance, insurance guidance, housing support, legal services, rebuilding coordination, and mental health care.

With more than 75 partner organizations, the Hub creates a coordinated system that removes barriers, reduces confusion, and ensures each survivor receives personalized support, from immediate crisis through full recovery. The opening brought together service providers across construction, recovery, and wellness, forming a vital, accessible lifeline.

As recovery grows more complex, coordination becomes everything. The Pali Hub ensures no one has to navigate this journey alone - offering clarity, connection, and a path forward.

While national attention may fade, the commitment does not. GEM has been on the ground since day one, delivering over $26 million in aid. The Pali Hub stands as a continued promise: we are here for the long haul.

📍 15239 La Cruz Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA
Learn more: GEM.org | paliLTRG.org

#PacificPalisades #PaliHub #PaliLTRG #WildfireRecovery #GlobalEmpowermentMission ...

Today, our GEM USA West branch in partnership with the @paliltrg , officially opened the Pali Hub in Pacific Palisades, marking a major milestone in long-term recovery following the devastating January 2025 fires.

After months of dedicated work, the Pali Hub launches as a Disaster Recovery and Resilience Center designed to support residents through the next phase of rebuilding. This centralized space provides access to housing and financial recovery resources, rebuilding guidance, insurance navigation, disaster case management, and ongoing community programming.

Today’s opening event brought together over 50 service providers offering critical support, from rebuilding services to health and wellness resources, all in one place for the community.

As recovery efforts grow more complex over time, the need for coordinated, accessible support becomes essential. The Pali Hub ensures families are not navigating this process alone, creating a clear path forward while strengthening connection across the Palisades.

While national attention may fade, our commitment does not. GEM has been on the ground in Los Angeles since day one, delivering over $26 million in aid, and this Hub represents our continued promise to stand with this community for the long term.

Special thanks to our incredible partners and donors who made all this possible. ...

Hawaiʻi is once again facing devastating flood damage from the recent Kona storms, impacting families, homes, and entire communities across the islands.

GEM has been on the ground since the 2023 Maui wildfires, and today, we continue to stand with our communities, responding immediately to this latest disaster.

Our teams are actively:
• Conducting damage assessments
• Distributing cash cards to impacted families thanks to our partnership with @edfreedman & @stableroadfoundation
• Launching long-term recovery efforts, including drywall repairs

The fastest way to help is through direct donations. Every dollar goes directly to families in need, providing immediate relief and supporting their recovery.

🔗 Link in bio to donate and support Hawaiʻi ...

Today marks four years since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine began. GEM was the first international NGO to arrive at the Polish border within 24 hours.

This video tells our story, the story of standing with Ukraine from the earliest hours, through the darkest nights, and into a future still being fought for every single day.

Here’s what GEM in partnership with HGBF has been able to do in the last four years.

•489 million non perishable meals distributed.

•265,369 pallets of emergency aid delivered.

•Over 10,800 trucks deployed into active war-zone regions.

* 306,012 windows installed to help 776,315 people survive winter after winter.

•48 M ++ liters of drinking water delivered.

* 1673 generators delivered to support infrastructure energy.

* 38,893 Ukrainians relocated.

* 115 M ++ seeds distributed.

And even now, four years later our work has not slowed but only expanded.

* Nearly 800,000 people supported monthly.

* Over 320,000 family kits produced and distributed per month.

* More than 10,000 pallets delivered per month.

* 390+ full size trucks dispatched into frontline regions per month.

* 8,000 + windows installed in freezing conditions per month.

•2 M liters of drinking water delivered per month.

These four years have reshaped everything. They have reshaped a nation. They have reshaped the world. And they have reshaped our work.

We have witnessed extraordinary resilience in the face of relentless destruction. We have seen courage in villages without resources, dignity in families living under constant missile and drone attacks, and hope carried forward by people who refuse to break.

This is not just a reflection on war.
It is a reflection on endurance, sacrifice, faith, and the responsibility to show up again and again — to support innocent civilians being terrorized daily.

Four years later, we are still here.
And so is Ukraine. 🇺🇦
@globalempowermentmissionua ...

Today marks 100 days since Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving entire communities exposed to violent winds, widespread structural damage, and hundreds of thousands of families without safe shelter. Roofs were ripped away, schools, hospitals, health centers and community centers were compromised, and livelihoods were disrupted in a matter of hours.

In the aftermath of this historic storm, our GEM Caribbean branch with your support and our incredible Smart Partnership network mobilized at scale.

To date, together we have delivered:

• 2,871 pallets of critical relief supplies
• $13,468,919 in aid and materials distributed
• Over 4 million pounds (1,831+ metric tons) of humanitarian assistance
• 25 cargo planes, 63 containers, and 7 ships deployed to reach impacted communities

This rapid response brought food, water, hygiene and medical supplies, clothes, shoes, building materials, and emergency support to families and the most vulnerable when they needed it most.

But the work is far from over.

GEM is here for the long haul. In the months and years ahead, we will continue repairing and replacing thousands of roofs, restoring schools, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and helping communities return stronger than before.

From emergency relief to long-term recovery, we stand with Jamaica every step of the way.

To learn more and support this mission, please visit the link in our bio section above. Special thanks to all our partners who make this possible: @ncbfoundation @ncbjamaica @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation @iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier @tdbank_us @wegmans @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef ...

Please take a moment to watch our Event Recap Video celebrating GEM’s 15-year anniversary, commemorating a decade and a half of empowering individuals and families affected by disasters and conflict zones around the world. The immersive celebration took place at GEM’s Miami headquarters inside the 60,000-square-foot Prologis warehouse, which serves as the central hub driving GEM’s global disaster-response operations.

What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into one of the most innovative and effective organizations in international disaster relief. Today, GEM’s nine global branches provide rapid, life-saving assistance within hours of a disaster while simultaneously supporting long-term recovery programs that help communities rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.

The milestone celebration was hosted by Founder and CEO Michael Capponi alongside GEM’s Executive Board. In a powerful address, Capponi reflected on the organization’s extraordinary journey, from its origins responding to the 2010 Haiti earthquake to its evolution into a global model of efficiency, accountability, and compassion in humanitarian aid.

The evening also featured a special video message from @miamidadecounty @mayordlc, recognizing GEM’s longstanding partnership with the county and its unwavering commitment to both local and international relief efforts. Several aid recipients shared deeply personal testimonials, describing how GEM’s support transformed their lives during moments of profound crisis.

Adding an artistic dimension to the event, Miami-based artist @petertunney generously donated several original works for auction, with proceeds directly benefiting GEM’s ongoing global missions.

Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included @romarley @indiahicksstyle former Miss Jamaica and Miss World @toniannsingh @marlonhill Patrick Morris Commissioner @daniellecohenhiggins , @darielfernandez , @alinagarciamiami, @vicemayordignacabral , Fabiola Stuyvesant, and former Miami Beach Mayor @mattibower — each representing the diverse network of partners, supporters, and changemakers who have helped power GEM’s mission for the past fifteen years. ...

Today marks one year since multiple wildfires devastated communities across the greater Los Angeles area. Within 24 hours of the fires, GEM’s USA West branch, bringing seven years of frontline wildfire experience from the #CampFire in #Paradise, was on the ground in #LosAngeles. Within one week, we established a fully operational local branch to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.

Over the past year, our teams have delivered sustained impact totaling nearly $27 million across affected communities. As we now enter our second year of response, GEM remains fully committed to long-term recovery, renewing proven programs while launching new initiatives designed to meet evolving community needs. We continue working closely with trusted local partners, including @lastrongfoundation, The David Geffen Foundation, the Palisades Long Term Recovery Group and the Ahmanson Foundation.

In the coming weeks, we will open a Community Recovery Center in the #Palisades, staffed with disaster case managers and focused on durable, community-driven solutions. These long-term recovery pathways will be guided by resident input, ensuring rebuilding efforts reflect local priorities and help make Los Angeles stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

Special thanks to all our partners and donors who helped make our first year in LA’s recovery impactful and tangible. @jefferies, @stableroadfoundation, #DavidandNicoleTepperFoundation, @good360usa, @airbnbOrg, @amazon, @goyafoods, @goyacares, #Give, #StevenandAlexandraCohenFoundation, @flexport, and @pbunitedway @royalcaribbean @bethmccluney #anthembluecrossfoundation #EmergencyNetworkofLosAngeles

To learn more and see how you can help, please visit the link in our bio.

#GEM #BStrong #LARecovery #DisasterRelief #Community #SmallBusinessRecovery #Humanitarian ...

IMPORTANT 2025 RECAP…….From all of us at @globalempowermentmission GEM), we wish you a joyous holiday season and a healthy, meaningful, and inspiring New Year.

As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, we are reminded of what is truly possible when committed partners come together with purpose, compassion, and action. It is because of you and your belief and trust in GEM that we have been able to reach and assist millions of people throughout 2025. Our teams are operating throughout the United States and 5 continents, delivering aid to populations impacted by some of the most complex and volatile emergencies. We are proud to announce that we have expended $188 Million this year alone with only 3.8% going to corporate overhead.

We invite you to watch our 2025 recap video, which highlights our many missions across the globe and the extraordinary impact made. Our teams on the ground have worked tirelessly, often in the most challenging environments, to accomplish all of this, and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We hope you will take a moment to watch and reflect on this work.

As this difficult and complex year draws to a close, we also invite you to consider Global Empowerment Mission in your end-of-year giving through our bio-links.

Your support is critical now more than ever, as humanitarian needs continue to grow in the face of ongoing crises and unprecedented events unfolding across our country and around the world.

We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you who continues to allow us to bring hope, dignity, and tangible relief to people in their greatest moments of need.

@globalempowermentmission #bstrong #2025 #gem ...

Today marks one month since #HurricaneMelissa devastated parts of #Jamaica, unleashing one of the most destructive crises the island ever faced.

In just 30 days, GEM through our smart partnership model executed one of the largest humanitarian mobilizations in Jamaica’s recent history:
• 2,034 pallets of emergency aid
• $5,876,347.89 in total relief value
• 3,029,072 lbs of supplies delivered (1,374 metric tons)
• Transported through 25 planes, 24 containers, and 3 ships * Servicing 101 locations

From the first hours after landfall, GEM—working closely with the Government of Jamaica, ODPEM, JDF, IOM, the NCB Foundation, Royal Caribbean, AFJ and our broader network—activated a nationwide rapid-response operation focused on speed, scale, and dignity.

Across impacted parishes, our teams have delivered mass food distributions, hygiene kits, clean-water support, medical facility stabilization, and tarpaulin roofing to help health centers safely reopen. These efforts embody our smart-partnership model: lean operations, high efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to getting resources directly to the families who need them most.

Special thanks to all our partners who make this possible:
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation @iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier @tdbank_us @wegmans @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef

This video captures the first month of impact—the resilience, the challenges, the hope, and what we can continue building together as Jamaica moves toward long-term recovery.#Bstrong ...

As of today, @globalempowermentmission — through its Smart Partnership Model — has delivered $5.8 million in aid to #Jamaica utilizing a combined logistics network of 25 cargo planes, 24 shipping containers, and 3 @royalcaribbean vessels. In total, this mission has moved 2035 pallets, representing 1.4 million metric tons of humanitarian aid to impacted communities.

This represents only the first phase of a much larger series of rebuilding initiatives that GEM will begin implementing by January 2026. Special thanks to all our partners who make this all possible. @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier ...

Our teams are working diligently around the clock to support families across #Jamaica. This short video highlights GEM’s critical efforts in the shelter sector — providing safe, spaces for those who have lost everything. This includes community centers, health centers, shelters, and homes. GEM Caribbean’s work on shelter is executed in partnership with IOM as an implementing partner.

At the same time, we’re moving large quantities of food and essential non-food items (NFIs) through our international & national network of warehouses, hubs, and local partners to ensure that aid reaches even the most remote and affected communities. Thank you @good360usa & @amazon for 100 + generators.

Together, we’re scaling up our temporary roof program to be able to help address the 122,531 assessed homes that have been damaged by #hurricanemelissa. @globalempowermentmission @iom.jamaica @iom.caribbean @romarley @bobmarleyfoundation ...

Yesterday, GEM successfully delivered the first large convoy of five trucks into Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, #Jamaica. The Westmoreland Parish is where the eye of #hurricanemelissa made landfall. Our teams, with the security support of @jdfsoldier and coordination with @odpem and @mlssjamaica are bringing essential relief to one of the hardest-hit regions.

Through our Smart Partnership Model, we’re able to amplify our impact and accelerate aid delivery across the island. Special thanks to all our key partners whose support makes large-scale missions like this possible.

Simultaneously, our GEM Caribbean branch in Kingston continues to play a vital role — supplying regional hubs, local organizations, and partner networks with the critical resources needed to reach the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals.
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @julianrmarley @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink #bstrong ...

Report by @brentmcdonaldnyt for @nytimes Humanitarian Crisis in #jamacia. Brent explains how in over 20 years of reporting on disasters, he’s never seen anything like this. The devastation caused by Cat 5 #hurricane #melissa is a compounded disaster. This video showcases GEM’s very first convoy into Black River days after the hurricane. @michaelcapponi. To learn more and support GEM’s mission response, please visit the link in our bio or: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/hurricane-melissa/ ...

GEM has a long time smart partnership with @royalcaribbean. We have been planning these operations before #hurricanemelissa even made landfall.

Thanks to a grant of over $400,000.00 from RCG we have already been able to make a touchdown with some aid to these areas. Everyday we scale up more and will increase output and deliveries/distributions.

As of today, here’s what GEM has been able to bring into Jamaica in coordination with @odpem & @jdfsoldier.
Total Pallets 1296
Total Value $3,942,947.93
Total Weight (lbs) 1,227,281
Total Weight in Metric Tonnes 556.72
Number of Planes 9
Number of Containers 8
Number of Ships 1

Black River
Lacova
Montego Bay
Billy Bay (St. Elizabeth)
Auldayr District, Bluefields Westmoreland
Spanish Town (St Kathrine)
Spur Tree (Manchester)
Adelphi (Mo/bay - St James)
Jacob’s Ladder (Moneague St. Ann)
Trelawny
Mandeville (Manchester)
Junction (St. Elizabeth)
St. Thomas
Kingston
Accompong Maroon

Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals. @ncbjamaica @ncbfoundation
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlinkflight @goldmansachs @bankunited.official ...