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Homeowner Aracelis Cepeda (front, center), (left to right) Armand Corp. Project Manager Bevan Smith, VIHFA Construction Manager Michael Moreau, and Uncle Nev Construction rep. Orlando Ramirez stands in front of Cepeda’s home in St. Croix slated to be repaired by the end of summer.

 

June 16, 2020

 

ENVISION TOMORROW HOUSING RECOVERY PROGRAM KICKS OFF

CONSTRUCTION PHASE IN JUNE

 

ST. CROIX, USVI –The Envision Tomorrow Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program issued its first set of Notices to Proceed (NTP) to contractors kicking off active construction in the highly-anticipated housing recovery program.

Homes in St. Croix will be under construction in June to repair damages sustained during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Rehabilitation work includes roof repairs, replacing windows, tiles, electrical upgrades, etc.

“The Authority is happy to begin the construction phase of the Envision Tomorrow Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program. We’re committed to delivering quality service while fully complying with strict HUD policies and guidelines in every stage of a lengthy process while navigating around challenges such as Covid-19,” said Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) Executive Director Daryl Griffith. “Now many homes are in queue to receive their Notice to Proceed in the coming weeks and months.”

Following the onboarding of the construction management firm, Armand in October 2019, inspectors have begun damage assessments to hundreds of eligible applicants in the program. Once damage assessments were complete, all properties went through a HUD-mandated environmental review to check for mold, asbestos, and lead-based paint. The eligibility process included a review of duplication of benefits, residency, low to moderate-income verification, and proof of storm damage.

Griffith continued, “I am very proud that over 90% of the contractors on this program are local.”

Over 50 local general contractors are registered with VIHFA. They are awarded projects based on their performance record and capacity to perform repairs on homes in a reasonable amount of time. Contractors must adhere to strict delivery timelines developed by the VIHFA Planning & Construction team. Project timelines range from two weeks to six months based on the severity of storm damage.

“Building a long-term recovery program from the ground up is a lengthy process given the Territory’s limited access to ready and available construction material. The entire team at the VIHFA is committed to following the federal guidelines and incorporating our applicants’ input. As we achieve this milestone, we thank residents for their continued patience as we work towards rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes,” VIHFA Chief Disaster Recovery Officer David Martin said.

The Envision Tomorrow program is funded by an initial $60 million CDBG-DR grant from the U.S. Housing Urban Development (HUD) and is designed to assist homeowners and landlords whose properties were heavily damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

For more information, contact the EnVIsion Tomorrow case managers at 1-888-239-3387 or online at www.vistormrecovery.com.