Live Updates

Yesterday marked the start of GEM’s large-scale humanitarian distributions across #Jamaica.

This video highlights @globalempowermentmission’s operational expertise in emergency response, featuring our first distributions in #BlackRiver and #Lacovia yesterday. We are replicating proven systems used in major conflict and disaster zones — deploying coordinated deliveries daily to key affected regions. In the coming days we will distribute supplies to over 50 locations.

GEM is proud to serve as an official partner to Jamaica’s national disaster agency, ODPEM, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and @iom.jamaica. Today, our teams are also coordinating airdrop operations with the Jamaican military, reaching more than 17 towns currently accessible only by helicopter.

A heartfelt thank you to all our partners and supporters who make this critical work possible. Together, we are ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most — quickly, efficiently, and at scale.

@bethennyfrankel
@odpem
@ncbfoundation @bobmarley @bobmarleyfoundation @romarley @cedellamarley @ncbfoundation @ncbjamaica @afjcares @lyn.thalia @good360usa @royalcaribbean @bredstreasurebeach @sflcaribbeanstrong @mairoliver #bstrong #hurricanemelissa @pbunitedway ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

🚨 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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

GEM MENA Palestine exec director Nuha Bashir on @bbcnews discussing our operations inside Gaza. ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...