ODR Announces the Award of Over $1.3M of CDBG-DR Funding for Vital Community Programs in the USVI

U.S. Virgin Islands — The Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) proudly announces over $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grants to fund three critical community initiatives that will provide essential services to vulnerable residents across the territory. These awards will bolster efforts to address homelessness, mental health, and youth development, underscoring ODR’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands.

• Liberty Place: A Community Action Team (STX) has been awarded $1,000,000 to deliver supportive housing and shelter services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Frederiksted, St. Croix. This significant investment will help meet the urgent housing needs of the community, offering safe and stable accommodation for those in need.  To learn more, contact Leslie Raymer, Executive Director, by phone at (340) 244-7015 or (340) 719-4357 or email [email protected]. You can also visit their website at https://libertyplacestx.org/who-we-serve/. Liberty Place is located at 25A Whim, Frederiksted, VI 00840.

• Meeting the Needs of the Community (MTOC): Mental Health Counseling (STT), formerly known as the Methodist Training and Outreach Center, will utilize $257,108 in funding to provide critical mental health and behavioral counseling services for those affected by post-traumatic stress and other issues stemming from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This support will play a crucial role in expanding access to mental health resources within the community.  For additional details, please reach out to Dan Derima, Executive Director, at (340) 714-7782 or email [email protected]. The MTOC office is located at 4A Kronprindsens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802, and its website is https://www.mtocvi.org/.

• Project Promise: The Caterpillar Afterschool Program (STX) secured $95,000 to support the Caterpillar Afterschool Program in Christiansted, St. Croix. This comprehensive initiative targets at-risk youth ages 10-18, providing academic support, life skills training, and mentorship designed to foster positive development and resilience among young residents. To find out more information, contact Resa O’Reilly, Executive Director at (340) 513-0446 or email [email protected]. You can also visit their website at https://www.projectpromisevi.com/programs. Project Promise is located at 10 ABC Queen Street, Christiansted, VI 00820.

“These grants are a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders,” said Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery. “By investing in these critical community programs, we are not just addressing immediate needs but also paving the way for a stronger and more supportive future for our territory.”

The Office of Disaster Recovery continues to drive recovery and reconstruction efforts throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, strategically investing in initiatives that strengthen community resilience and support vulnerable populations.

The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority administers the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) CDBG-DR Program by providing funding for unmet needs, focusing on low- and moderate-income residents and businesses. Spending is prioritized on programs developed through the US Virgin Islands Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Action Plan.

The Office of Disaster Recovery
“Building a Legacy of Resilience”

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The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov.