My name is Danielle Neil, and I'm partnering with Vybe Collective to raise funds to support recovery efforts in St. Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica, following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. St. Elizabeth is one of the many western parishes of Jamaica that have been deeply affected by the storm, and I wanted to channel funds directly to my community in support of rebuilding.

I spent my early childhood in St. Elizabeth in the Junction area, and also visiting nearby communities like Treasure Beach and Alligator Pond, which were deeply affected by the storm. These are places filled with warmth, resilience, and faith—communities that come together in hard times and never lose hope. Many families have lost their homes, in full or in part, and are without the necessary tools to rebuild or continue life as normal.

St. Elizabeth is called Jamaica’s “bread basket” because of its rich farmland and the hardworking people who cultivate it. Many residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, growing crops that help feed the rest of the island. With fields flooded and infrastructure damaged, recovery will take time, resources, and collective effort.

Funds raised here will go directly toward local relief and rebuilding efforts in St. Elizabeth Parish—providing essentials to help families rebuild, including tools and hardware for debris clearing, building materials, food, and water. I am based in New York/Miami, but my dad is on the ground in St. Elizabeth and will be helping to deliver materials, distribute funds, and assist with rebuilding efforts in the community. With his experience in construction and close ties to those across the region, we can make sure help reaches those who need it most.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Please consider giving and sharing this fundraiser to help St. Elizabeth and the wider western parishes of Jamaica rebuild stronger—and even more faithful—than before. I will be posting updates on where/when the funds are delivered as well.

With gratitude,

Danielle