Shanisse Palmer, a Richmond-based family lifestyle influencer, is using her platform to aid her hometown in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa left it in ruins.

Lethe, a small village often overlooked, suffered extensive damage as homes were destroyed, roads washed away, and families displaced. Palmer, who has 58,400 followers on Instagram under the handle @mommiesjade, shared footage of the devastation to raise awareness. 

“My hometown, Lethe, Jamaica, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. Families have lost their homes, their roads, and everything they’ve worked for,” Palmer said. “It’s a small village which means it will be one of the last places the government reaches. But we can reach them first. If you’re reading this, I’m asking from the bottom of my heart: please help however you can. Even $1 can feed a child, repair a roof, or bring light back to a family’s life.” 

Palmer’s Richmond neighbors and online followers have pledged support. So far, $800 has been raised toward a $50,000 goal to fund critical rebuilding efforts in Lethe. 

The Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund is focusing on three urgent areas: repairing homes, restoring the main road that connects families to food and work, and providing food and essential supplies, including clean water, diapers and baby formula. All donations are distributed through trusted community leaders and church members in Lethe. 

Palmer continues to urge support, saying, “Even if you can’t donate, please share, like, or repost. Every act of kindness counts.” Donations can be made at givebutter.com/9Wt5nH.