This past Friday, Caritas Cuba revealed that it has successfully utilized 82% of the initial $3 million donation from the U.S. Government intended to assist families affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, which made landfall on October 29, 2025.
According to the organization's report, the remaining 18% of this initial phase is expected to be received within this month, completing the aid distribution to 8,800 families across the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Guantánamo.
The distributed supplies include food kits, hygiene kits, and household kits. These were facilitated through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and distributed by the Catholic Church's diocesan network, bypassing the Cuban government's involvement.
The distribution process began on January 14 of this year with the arrival of the first cargo flight at Holguín airport. Since then, five additional containers arrived at the Santiago de Cuba port in April, along with a ship carrying seven containers that docked in February.
The relief efforts prioritize single mothers, the elderly, and disabled individuals, focusing on the most vulnerable groups among the over 2.2 million people impacted by the hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa battered the region for six hours with winds reaching 195 km/h, causing widespread destruction, damage to hospitals, and extensive power and water outages in areas already suffering from the impacts of Hurricane Oscar and two earthquakes in 2024.
Caritas Cuba noted that as this first phase concludes, they are simultaneously beginning the management of a second donation from the U.S. Government, which amounts to an additional $6 million. This was announced by the State Department on February 5, raising the total commitment to $9 million.
This announcement came just two days after Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío publicly downplayed the aid, dismissing it as "little bags of food and hygiene products."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded last Wednesday, affirming that the U.S. is prepared to send more humanitarian aid to Cuba, but the regime must allow it.
This operation is part of CRS's ongoing efforts on the island since 1993. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Cuba offered on October 30, 2025, to serve as the distribution channel to ensure the resources reached the people directly, circumventing Cuban government structures.
Caritas Cuba clarified in its report: "This marks the completion of the first aid execution, while simultaneously commencing the management and execution of the new donation valued at $6,000,000.00 USD, provided by the U.S. Government for the same purpose."
Key Questions on U.S. Aid to Cuba
What is the total amount of aid provided by the U.S. Government to Cuba for Hurricane Melissa relief?
The U.S. Government has committed a total of $9 million, with an initial donation of $3 million followed by an additional $6 million.
Which areas in Cuba are receiving the aid distributed by Caritas?
The aid is being distributed to 8,800 families in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Guantánamo.
How is the aid being distributed without government intervention?
The aid is facilitated through Catholic Relief Services and distributed by the Catholic Church's diocesan network, avoiding Cuban government mediation.