Live Updates

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...