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When Disaster Strikes,
We Show Up.We're Diaspora

When the islands hurt, we feel it and we act. Because family takes care of family. And that’s what we do. 
Donate now

The Caribbean Faces What Others Can Only Imagine

The Caribbean is among the top 10 most disaster-prone regions in the world. It’s not a question of if disaster will strike, it’s when. And when it does, the impact is devastating.

The Numbers That Matter:

In 2017, Hurricanes Irma & Maria:

  • Caused over $93 billion in damages across the Caribbean
  • Displaced entire communities
  • Destroyed infrastructure, schools, hospitals
  • Left families with nothing but the clothes on their backs

What We Know Now:

  • On average, natural disasters cost Caribbean economies 2–3% of GDP annually (World Bank)
  • Climate change is expected to increase hurricane intensity by 10–20% in the coming decades

The Human Cost:

  • In the last 20 years, over 26 million people in the Caribbean have been affected by natural disasters
  • Nearly 1 in 4 Caribbean residents live in areas highly exposed to hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods
  • Over 90% of Caribbean populations live within 5 km of the coast, the most vulnerable zones
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What Happens When Disaster Strikes

The First 72 Hours Change Everything

When a hurricane hits, the needs are immediate and overwhelming
Days 1-3: Emergency Response
  • Families need food, water, shelter, fuel
  • Medical emergencies require urgent care
  • People are missing loved ones, searching for safety
  • The infrastructure is down- no power, no clean water, no way out

Average family of 4 needs: $400–600 in emergency supplies just to survive the first week

  • Clearing debris and assessing damage
  • Rebuilding homes and infrastructure
  • Getting kids back to school
  • Restoring livelihoods and businesses
  • Mental health support for trauma
  • Economic recovery for communities
  • Rebuilding schools, hospitals, roads
  • Helping families get back on their feet
Disaster strikes

Here's What Matters:

Every $1 invested in disaster preparedness saves $7 in recovery costs (UNDRR).

When we donate after disaster strikes, we’re helping. But we’re also building a case for why preparing now saves lives and resources later.

What Your Donation Provides

$25

Emergency food & water supplies for 1 family

$50

First aid & medical supplies for a community clinic

$100

Temporary shelter materials for a displaced family

$250

One week of recovery support (food, water, fuel) for 1 family

$500

Two weeks of comprehensive aid for a community (multiple families)

$1,000

Long-term recovery support for a household (shelter, rebuilding)

$5,000+

Sustaining aid for an entire community section

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Every donation, no matter the size, reaches real people. Real families. Real homes.

Real Stories. Real Impact. Real People.

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Trinidad & Tobago · New York, NY

Nadia’s Story

“I moved to New York from Trinidad in 2019 and spent my first two years here feeling like I had left half of myself behind. I went to a CDU Unity Breakfast not knowing anyone. By the time I left, I had exchanged numbers with seven people, one of whom got me my current job. CDU didn’t just give me a network. It gave me back my sense of home.”
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Trinidad & Tobago · New York, NY

Nadia’s Story

“I moved to New York from Trinidad in 2019 and spent my first two years here feeling like I had left half of myself behind. I went to a CDU Unity Breakfast not knowing anyone. By the time I left, I had exchanged numbers with seven people, one of whom got me my current job. CDU didn’t just give me a network. It gave me back my sense of home.”
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Trinidad & Tobago · New York, NY

Nadia’s Story

“I moved to New York from Trinidad in 2019 and spent my first two years here feeling like I had left half of myself behind. I went to a CDU Unity Breakfast not knowing anyone. By the time I left, I had exchanged numbers with seven people, one of whom got me my current job. CDU didn’t just give me a network. It gave me back my sense of home.”
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Disaster strikes

Where Every Dollar Goes

We get it, you want to know your money actually helps.
  • All donations are tax-deductible (CDU is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit)
  • We partner with trusted local organizations in Caribbean communities
  • Funds are distributed by people who understand these islands
  • We report back on impact—you'll see where your money went
  • Our leadership, including Ambassador Pursoo, is personally invested in this mission

WHY NOW?

Climate Change. Stronger Storms. Urgent Need.

We’re not just reacting to disasters, we’re preparing for what’s coming.
Climate scientists predict a 10–20% increase in hurricane intensity over the next decades. That means stronger storms. More frequent disasters. Greater devastation.
We can be ready. Or we can be caught off guard.
Your donation today doesn’t just help today’s crisis it builds the infrastructure, resources, and networks we need to save more lives tomorrow.
The time to act is now.
Before the next storm. Before the next family loses everything.
Corporate Giving & Partnerships
Want to mobilize your company’s resources for Caribbean relief?
We Partner With:
  • Corporations committed to corporate social responsibility
  • Small businesses wanting to give back
  • Employee giving programs
  • Foundation grants
  • Community organizations
Contact Us About Corporate Giving

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: Yes! CDU is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. [EIN NUMBER: 83-2994262 ]

We get it, you want to know your money actually helps.

We get it, you want to know your money actually helps.

Yes! Contact us here to discuss donating goods or supplies.

During active disasters, we aim to mobilize resources within 72 hours. For recovery efforts, distributions happen on an ongoing basis.

Volunteers, professional skills (doctors, engineers, logistics), and spreading the word all matter. [Get Involved Beyond Donations]

Your Home Needs You

When disaster strikes our islands, we don’t look away. We look toward them. We act. We give. We show our people that distance doesn’t diminish love.

Your donation is more than money – it’s a message:

"You're not alone. We're here. We remember."

Every dollar. Direct to community. No exceptions.

Will you stand with us?

One-Time Donation
Monthly Giving
Corporate Partnership