Melissa Family Fund – Jamaica

The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated (EWF) has officially authorized and launched the Melissa Family Fund to provide humanitarian assistance to families in the U.S. who have been affected and separated due to Hurricane Melissa. This initiative focuses on supporting members in New York City and Cincinnati, Ohio, specifically those separated from Jamaican families during the hurricane. 

Situation Overview: 

Hurricane Melissa brought significant infrastructure damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services across various Jamaican communities. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, are facing increased risks related to health access, shortages of hygiene products, and instability in their households. 

Program Focus: 

The relief efforts under the Melissa Family Fund will prioritize emergency hygiene and dignity supplies, women- and family-centered assistance, community-based distribution, and support for displaced households. 

Target Populations: 

This program specifically aims to assist women and girls, families with children, and elderly individuals, as well as those who are medically vulnerable or disabled. 

Relief Activities: 

The relief activities will include the distribution of hygiene and menstrual products, emergency family supply kits, coordination with local partners and community organizations, and thorough documentation and post-distribution reporting. 

Governance & Oversight: 

All contributions and in-kind donations will be managed under the stringent internal controls and humanitarian oversight protocols of the Ethiopian World Federation to ensure the lawful, ethical, and transparent use of resources.