A Life Rooted in St. Thomas

Valerie has called the island of St. Thomas home since she was just six weeks old. In June 2017, she and her partner Toby achieved a lifelong dream: They purchased their first house, pouring their life savings into a future filled with hope, love, and plans to create a haven of their own. But fate had other plans.

The Devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Just three months after they bought their home, Hurricanes Irma and Maria — two catastrophic Category 5 storms — ravaged St. Thomas. The winds, rains, and tornadoes tore through their property, reducing their dream home to rubble. In a single moment, Valerie and Toby lost not just their home, but also their jobs and Valerie's side business.

A Caregiver’s Burden and Health Challenges

Amid the chaos, life delivered another blow. Toby was diagnosed with a failing pancreas and Type 1 diabetes, leaving Valerie to care for him while working tirelessly as the sole breadwinner. For months, they navigated complex medical systems and government aid programs, all while living with uncertainty and fear.

Attempting to Rebuild Amid Adversity

Determined to rebuild, Valerie and Toby invested in kits from Deltec Homes and began the painstaking process of constructing a new home. But their efforts were sabotaged when their contractor mismanaged funds and rebuild project, leaving them with an incomplete structure on an unstable foundation. Adding to their struggle, Toby’s health took a critical turn, requiring extended hospitalization on the mainland. With mounting medical debt and dwindling resources, they had no choice but to return to their property, living without electricity, plumbing, or running water for months.

Loss and Service

Tragedy struck again when Valerie lost two of her parents within a year of each other. Yet even in her grief, she found the strength to give back, volunteering as the director of the Virgin Islands Conservation Society to help her community rebuild after the hurricanes.

A Flicker of Hope

For six years, Valerie and Toby held onto the promise of help through the Envision Rebuild government program. But now, their eligibility is in jeopardy due to Valerie’s full-time employment — a bittersweet twist for a couple still living in unfinished conditions.

How You Can Help

Valerie and Toby have spent seven and a half years navigating unimaginable challenges, yet they remain resilient and hopeful. Now, they need your help to finish rebuilding their home and restore their lives.

Your Support Will Help Them:

1. Construct a retaining wall to mitigate extensive land erosion.

2. Reinforce the foundation of their home for safety and stability.

3. Level the floors and complete the interior work, turning the structure into a livable space.

Every contribution — big or small — brings them closer to a secure and hopeful future. Together, we can help Valerie and Toby find the peace and stability they so desperately deserve.

Please Donate Today

Let’s rally around this inspiring couple and show them the power of community. Together, we can rebuild not just their home but their dreams.