Nov 1
GEM understands what it takes to effectively respond to disasters of this scale. Each major crisis operates much like a new startup — requiring structure, systems, and serious infrastructure before measurable results can be achieved. Delivering large-scale aid to a nation of 2.5 million people, where significant regions have been devastated, demands nothing less.
We now have fully operational warehouses, organized teams, and a growing fleet of trucks in place. The first large convoy departs at dawn toward the most heavily affected zones, while road clearance operations continue in parallel to open safe access routes.
Simultaneously, our third cargo plane arrives in the morning, with additional flights scheduled daily and maritime containers set to reach port on Monday. This marks the beginning of a coordinated, sustained response that will continue over the weeks and months ahead.
Through our strategic partnership with Royal Caribbean Group, GEM aid will also be placed onboard two cruise ships docked at the Falmouth Port, further expanding our logistical reach across the island and ensuring timely delivery to remote and hard-hit communities.
These efforts are being carried out in close coordination with Jamaica’s national disaster agency, ODPEM, alongside the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and local parish councils. Together with our partners, donors, and trained community teams, we are establishing a long-term framework to help rebuild lives, restore stability, and strengthen national resilience. #jamaica #bstrong @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa #hurricanemelissa @romarley @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
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Oct 31
3 trucks loaded with emergency supplies in #Kingston ready to deliver into hardest hit areas tomorrow morning. This will continue on a daily basis for this phase. @afjcares @bethennyfrankel @romarley @lyn.thalia @good360usa #jamaica #hurricanemelissa #odpem ...
Oct 29
The Government of Jamaica has released aerial footage revealing the catastrophic destruction across Southwest Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. These images show the immense scale of loss and devastation communities are facing.
GEM is on the ground delivering vital supplies to families who’ve lost everything — and we’ll remain for the long haul to help rebuild and support long-term recovery.
Pray for Jamaica 🇯🇲🤲
#Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #Hurricane
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Oct 29
Hurricane Melissa Phase 1 strategy.
We want our donors and partners to clearly understand GEM Bstrong’s logistical capabilities and how our system operates in real time.
Through our strategic partnership with @good360usa, @amazon along with numerous corporate partners, local communities, and the Caribbean diaspora across the U.S., GEM coordinates one of the most efficient aid pipelines in the region.
All donated goods are collected, processed, and consolidated by @globalempowermentmission before being shipped daily via cargo planes and weekly through container blocks to our warehouses in Kingston, Jamaica. GEM Caribbean is officially registered in Kingston with Jamaican staff and MOU’s with Jamaica’s Disaster Agency Odpem.
From there, GEM’s fleet of flatbeds and vehicles delivers aid directly to affected areas. We then establish distribution hubs throughout the country, ensuring that vital supplies reach those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is the first phase of our structured, end-to-end relief system.
By supporting GEM, you can be ensured that aid will be delivered directly into people’s hands by GEM. #jamaica #hurricanemelissa #bstrong
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Oct 28
GEM PRESS CONFERENCE was held today to discuss prepositioning and plans for an immediate response - as Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean Sea unleashing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and powerful storms across Jamaica. Strengthening into a Category 5 monster before landfall, Melissa slammed into Jamaica’s southwestern coast this afternoon.
The full scale of destruction is still unfolding, as the storm’s eye now turns toward The Bahamas, leaving behind a trail of devastation and uncertainty across the islands. To learn more please visit the link in our bio section, or GEM.org 🌪️🇯🇲🇧🇸 #gemmissions #bstrong #HurricaneMelissa #CaribbeanStrong #DisasterResponse #GEM #Jamaica #Bahamas @sflcaribbeanstrong @marlonhill @mairoliver @deikamorrison @kayebentley
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Oct 28
🚨 URGENT 🚨
Hurricane Melissa has made landfall, devastating Jamaica— the largest storm in recorded history to strike the region.
GEM Is on the ground right now preparing to deliver critical aid to families who’ve lost everything.
100% of your donation goes directly to this mission.
🌎 Support now — click the link in bio.
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Oct 26
Our GEM USA West branch has been actively supporting Western Alaska Native communities devastated by Typhoon Halong, one of the strongest storm systems to hit the region in over 50 years. The storm impacted more than 40 villages across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta and Bering Sea coast, flooding entire towns, destroying homes, and displacing over 2,000 residents, predominantly from Alaska Native tribes such as the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Inupiaq, and Unangan/Aleut peoples.
To address both immediate and long-term needs, GEM is distributing its BStrong cash assistance cards, Family Necessities Kits (adapted for Arctic conditions), and our @flewthecoop_ emergency supply boxes, providing essentials like insulated blankets, shelf-stable food, generators, hygiene items, and children’s supplies.
For the past three years, GEM has been operating a Tribal Impact Program, designed specifically to support Indigenous communities facing disasters, infrastructure loss, and cultural displacement. Through this program, we partner directly with Tribal Councils—ensuring local leadership remains at the center of decision-making.
Our work is not only about relief. It’s about protecting tribal sovereignty, cultural continuity, and the right of Native families to stay together on their lands. Special thanks to our local ground partners, Rotary Club District 5010 Alaska. To learn more about our tribal impact program please visit our link tree. #alaska #typhoonhalong #bstrong @rotarydistrict5010
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Oct 24
TROPICAL STORM MELISSA RESPONSE: Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Caribbean is fully operational in Jamaica with an officially registered branch. Our experienced Kingston-based team has been active every day since Hurricane Beryl, and our emergency mission leads are currently pre-positioned in Kingston, riding out the storm and ready to respond alongside CDEMA, ODPEM, the Caribbean Consular Corps, and Caribbean Strong.
Tropical Storm Melissa is now impacting the central Caribbean, and some forecasters warn it could intensify into a Category 3 or stronger hurricane. Jamaica and neighboring islands face severe risks of 5–10 inches (12–25 cm) of rain, flash floods, landslides, hurricane-force winds, and coastal surge.
After Hurricane Beryl (July 2024)—and thanks to our smart partnership model consisting of partners like IOM, Breds, NCB Foundation, Tankweld, Hardware & Lumber, Chin’s Construction, and Youth Inspiring Positive Change, alongside CDEMA, ODPEM we were able to repair over 700 roofs.
GEM had a cargo plain of aid land on the ground within 48 hours.
As Melissa strengthens, GEM’s logistics, supply chains, volunteer teams, and partner networks are fully activated. From emergency relief and evacuations to roof stabilization, debris clearing, and long-term rebuilding—we are ready. To learn more and support this mission, visit link in our bio or GEM.org #jamaica #melissa
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Oct 20
100 Days After the Texas Floods
Over 130 precious lives lost. Entire communities were left underwater. Homes and businesses destroyed. Families displaced. Lives forever changed.
Within hours of the disaster, #GEM activated Phase 1 of our disaster response — delivering immediate aid and over $1 million in emergency GEM #Bstrong Cash Card assistance to flood survivors.
Now, 100 days later, GEM has transitioned into long-term recovery: Delivering and installing drywall for families still living in gutted homes. Launching our Tools for Tradesmen Program, restoring the livelihoods of local workers who lost their tools — empowering them to rebuild homes, businesses, and their communities. Opening a new GEM USA Southwest branch in Texas to ensure faster deployments, deeper partnerships, and lasting impact across the South.
Every delivery is more than material — it’s a message of hope and resilience.
Together, we’re proving that true recovery isn’t just about rebuilding structures — it’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and faith in the future. Your support powers every phase of recovery — from disaster to reconstruction. To support all of those affected and still recovering from the Texas floods, please visit the link in our bio, or GEM.org #texasflood
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Oct 19
A historic disaster is unfolding across Alaska’s remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta — one of the most destructive events since the great 1964 Alaska Earthquake.
Over 1,500 residents have been displaced from the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok after #TyphoonHalong unleashed devastating winds and floods that tore through homes, destroyed infrastructure, and shattered entire communities.
This Tuesday, #GEM response teams will be on the ground, meeting with tribal leadership and local officials to ensure that sheltering strategies are executed with urgency, cultural respect, and precision.
In partnership with Roger May, GEM is converting fishery housing into longer-term living solutions for displaced individuals and families — a crucial step as temperatures drop and the Arctic winter approaches.
Through our Tribal Impact Program, now in its third year, GEM has worked hand in hand with Native nations across the U.S. — and the Yup’ik people have been central to that mission. Traditional ways of life and cultural infrastructure have been deeply disrupted.
Current assessments reveal staggering destruction:
• In #Kipnuk, nearly 90% of homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.
• In #Kwigillingok, more than one-third of residences have been lost.
In response, GEM USA West is deploying a comprehensive relief mission including:
• Emergency supplies and temporary shelter units.
• Coordination with tribal governments, #Alaska state agencies, and federal partners.
• Long-term recovery planning for resilient, culturally sensitive rebuilding.
• Specialized logistics operations to reach the isolated Delta by air and sea.
GEM remains steadfast in our commitment to empower and uplift tribal communities — ensuring that every response honors heritage, restores dignity, and rebuilds lives stronger than before.
To learn more or support this mission, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org.
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Oct 16
The GEM USA Southwest team continues to remain on the ground across Texas, supporting recovery efforts for individuals and families impacted by the devastating floods.
To date, GEM has delivered drywall to 12 homes affected by the July floodwaters — helping residents in San Angelo, Hunt, Comfort, and Kerrville take an important step toward rebuilding and returning home.
Every sheet of drywall brings these families closer to restoration and stability after months of displacement.
Special thanks to Home Depot and Galilee CDC for helping to deliver the drywall to repair these homes. To learn more visit the link in our bio, or GEM.org
#GEM #Bstrong #GEMMissions #TexasFloodRelief #DisasterRecovery #CommunityStrong
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Oct 15
GEM MENA Palestine exec director Nuha Bashir on @bbcnews discussing our operations inside Gaza. ...
Oct 13
Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day we take a moment to reflect on this past weekend’s meaningful gathering.
GEM USA West had the honor of joining the Big Sandy Rancheria community in Auberry, California, for a special Tribal Impact event focused on unity, gratitude, and connection. The day brought together more than 1,000 participants — including members from the Big Sandy, Cold Springs, and North Fork Rancherias to share blessings, celebrate heritage, and strengthen community ties. To learn more about this mission visit, GEM.org
#GEMmissions #TribalImpact #GEMUSAWest #CommunityEmpowerment #indigenouspeoplesday
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Oct 10
This week, GEM partnered with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) @nychagram to support residents displaced by the Bronx chimney collapse. Through our #BStrong Cash Card program, we provided direct financial assistance to families temporarily relocated by the incident.
Thankfully, no one was injured, but the F and G lines of the building were initially uninhabitable, and this assistance provided much needed support towards meals and amenities during the displacement. Our team will continue to stand with the community.
#GEMmissions #BStrong #DisasterRelief #NewYork #Bronx #NYCHA to learn more about GEM visit the links in our bio, or GEM.org
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Oct 9
GEM is providing essential aid through our partners at @aerialrecoverygroup to communities in the Philippines hardest hit by the earthquakes and landslides.
On September 30th, the Philippines was struck by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake. It was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Northern Cebu, and was followed by thousands of smaller aftershocks. The death toll continues to rise, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed. It is estimated that over 110,000 residents are in need of assistance to restore their livelihoods.
Families are still without food, clean water, and shelter as aftershocks continue to shake the region. GEM and Aerial Recovery are working to get critical supplies into remote areas that have been cut off from help. In collaboration with local governments, Aerial will be distributing life saving critical aid, provided by GEM, to those affected in the region.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission - your generosity is making a real difference for these individuals and families in crisis.
To join our mission or support ongoing relief efforts, please visit link in our bio or @aerialrecoverygroup #GEMmissions #AerialRecovery #Philippines #Cebu #Earthquakes #DisasterResponse #HumanitarianCrisis
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Oct 8
This video highlights the ongoing work of our GEM MENA branch inside Gaza, where we’ve been operating continuously for the past two years. Throughout this time, our teams have done everything possible to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians directly and safely. Despite the immense challenges on the ground, our supply chain has remained remarkably secure — with only 3.5 trucks affected by looting over two years of operations. @globalempowermentmissionmena @hcicanada ...
Oct 1
GEM Tool Program Launch in Kerr County, Texas
Last week, our GEM USA Southwest Branch proudly rolled out our long-standing Tool Program in Kerr County, Texas—bringing hope, resilience, and sustainability to families and contractors still working to recover from disaster.
This initiative focuses on restoring the livelihoods of skilled workers who form the backbone of rebuilding efforts. By replacing essential tools lost in the disaster, we empower contractors across every trade—general contractors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, welders, masons, painters, and HVAC technicians, to return to work quickly, rebuild their businesses, and restore homes and communities.
These are the people who put families back under safe roofs, who restore electricity and plumbing, and who make devastated houses livable again. Every tool replaced is more than equipment, it’s a pathway to self-sufficiency, dignity, and faster community recovery.
• Neighbors helping neighbors.
• Tools turning into opportunities.
• Families moving back home.
Recovery is never possible without partners, donors, and the spirit of community that binds us together. With every hammer, drill, or welding torch replaced, another Texan craftsman gets back to work—not just rebuilding homes, but rebuilding hope and stronger communities for generations to come. Special thanks to @homedepot To learn more please visit the link in our bio. #TexasFlood #GEMUSA #Bstrong #RebuildTogether #Community #GEMmissions special thanks to @homedepot
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Sep 28
As tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians are forced to flee from the north to the south, our @globalempowermentmissionmena teams, in partnership with @hcicanada, are on the ground providing immediate relief. Along the main southern evacuation corridor, our teams are distributing bottled water to families and drivers making this difficult journey.
We are also delivering more than 2,500 m³ of clean water to IDP tent camps through mobile water trucks, ensuring families have safe drinking water in some of the hardest-hit areas. One of the primary distribution points is Al Nawairi Hill, located on Gaza Beach Main Street, where thousands of displaced people are now sheltering.
In addition, we continue to support displaced civilians in camps with our 23-kg family food boxes, each containing enough essentials to sustain a household for weeks. Beyond food, we have mobilized large quantities of tents, blankets, and hygiene kits, ensuring families have shelter, warmth, and dignity in the midst of displacement.
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Sep 26
One year ago, Hurricane Helene began a path of destruction from coastal Florida into the mountains of North Carolina, devastating parts of both states. Today, we honor the progress, resilience, and hope that have risen from the storm.
Thanks to our incredible partners and donors, including #bstrong, #TheDavidandNicoleTepperFoundation, @panthers, @airbnb, @thehorseshoefarm, @amazon, and countless individuals, GEM has been able to take action that is making a lasting impact on those affected by Helene.
While many families still wait for insurance payouts and government aid, GEM is stepping in to fill the gap — fighting housing insecurity, helping small businesses reopen, and ensuring communities don’t just recover, but rebuild stronger.
This is what long-term recovery looks like. And we’re just getting started:
To date, alongside our partners, GEM has provided $700,029 in small business grants, rental assistance to 64 households (housing 150 people), and aid to more than 37,000 individuals across North Carolina and Florida.
At-a-Glance Impact:
* 189 individuals placed in short-term housing through Airbnb.org
* 121 small businesses supported through grants
* 65 semi-trucks of aid delivered
* 120+ Starlink devices deployed with partners
* 50+ helicopter deliveries and/or evacuations
* 37,000+ individuals supported with aid in North Carolina & Florida
* 64 households in Western NC given rental assistance, securing housing for 150 people
#GEMmissions #HurricaneHelene #Florida #NorthCarolina #Recovery To learn more and how you help, please visit the link in our bio, or www.gem.org
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Sep 19
The GEM West Tribal Impact Team was deeply honored to host an elders’ blessing gathering for the Tachi Yokut Tribe. This sacred day carried profound significance as we paid tribute to two of the tribe’s eldest members—both in their 90s, whose wisdom and presence continue to guide their people.
The air was filled with prayers, the steady heartbeat of drums, and songs spoken in their native tongue, a powerful reminder of resilience and cultural strength. At the center of it all, a tiny dancer moved with pure joy, offering her gift of dance to the elders, a living bridge between generations.
With love and gratitude, we blessed the elders with air purifiers, clean water, home goods, shoes, and other essentials—small tokens of care for those who have given so much to their community. This was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of life, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of the Tachi Yokut people. To learn more, please visit: GEM.org
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