How to Support Hurricane Irma and Maria Relief Efforts in the Caribbean
In just two weeks, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Caribbean, stripping islands bare, claiming dozens of lives, flooding vast areas, and leaving thousands homeless.
Hurricane Irma, the first Category 5 storm, tore through the northern Caribbean with record-breaking force, causing destruction across hundreds of miles. Shortly after, Hurricane Maria rapidly intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 in 48 hours, closely following Irma's path and striking islands still recovering.
Islands hardest hit by Irma included Anguilla, Barbuda, Cuba, Puerto Rico, St-Barthélemy, St-Martin & Sint Maarten, Turks & Caicos, and the US and British Virgin Islands. The Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic also sustained damage. Maria primarily affected Dominica, St. Croix, Puerto Rico, Martinique, Montserrat, the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos.
As floodwaters receded and winds subsided, the full extent of the devastation became clear. Many islands face months—or years—of recovery. Tourism-dependent economies are particularly vulnerable. If planning a trip, verify access and restrictions. In the interim, monetary aid is crucial. Below is a curated list of reputable organizations supporting relief efforts.
General Aid Funds
These established funds distribute aid across affected islands.
GlobalGiving, a trusted global crowdfunding platform, connects donors with nonprofits. They host an Irma relief campaign and a general hurricane relief fund, often matching donations.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy focuses on effective, long-term disaster recovery and offers an Irma relief fund.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) coordinates regional relief; donate via their Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) manages a 2017 hurricane season relief fund to aid tourism recovery.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), partnering with Tourism Cares, supports the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund for infrastructure like beaches and visitor centers.
The Hispanic Federation's Unidos campaign aids Hurricane Maria victims alongside Mexico earthquake relief.
GoFundMe organizes dedicated portals for Irma and Maria funds. Other key players include Oxfam, UNICEF, and the Red Cross.
Island-Specific Relief
Anguilla
Irma's 185 mph winds damaged 90% of buildings. The Anguilla Progressive Association of New York (APANY) partners with the government for relief funds.
Barbuda
95% of structures destroyed; most residents evacuated to Antigua. Check the Barbuda Post-Irma Relief Facebook page. The International Community Foundation and Waitt Foundation match donations for recovery.
Cuba
Northern coast flooding and damage hit keys, coastal towns, and Havana. US donors: Note embargo restrictions; use global organizations.
Dominica
Maria's Category 5 winds caused catastrophic damage. The Dominica-American Relief & Development Association (DARDA) provides support.
Haiti
Northern flooding destroyed crops; Convoy of Hope delivers food aid.
Puerto Rico
Maria brought 40 inches of rain, widespread flooding, power outages. ConPRmetidos, United for Puerto Rico, and Taller Salud offer targeted aid.
St-Martin & Sint Maarten
95% infrastructure destroyed. SXM Festival relief fund verified by Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau.
Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands: bvirelief.com lists options; Virgin Unite fundraises. US Virgin Islands: Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, St. John Rescue, Tim Duncan's matching fund up to $1M.
