March 22, 2022

VIHFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CDBG CARES ACT FUNDING THROUGH APRIL 21

Technical Assistance Workshop Scheduled for April 5 to Assist with Application Submission

VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) announces the availability of the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (“CDBG-CV”) funding applications. Funded CDBG-CV activities should be ready to start by July 1, 2022. Applications are due on or before Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. No extensions of the due date will be granted.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Territory received a supplemental allocation of CDBG funds under the CARES Act. These special CDBG-DV funds shall be used specifically to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic among persons who are low to moderate-income.

Eligible applicants include non-profit and faith-based organizations and governmental agencies. Examples of activities that may be eligible for funding under the CDBG-CV funding include, but are not limited to building improvements, including public facilities or other infrastructure/construction projects that directly contribute to addressing COVID-19 related issues; economic development assistance and public services to mitigate ongoing and future pandemic impacts.

Prospective applicants may request an application by e-mailing [email protected] or [email protected].

Technical Assistance Workshop
A virtual technical assistance workshop will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend and must register in advance using the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvce2sqDwoGNUVU3lIIrLBWgvhMQkBd5qV

After registering, a confirmation e-mail with access information for the workshop will be provided.
For more information, contact Jennifer Jones, CDBG Program Manager at (340) 777-4432 or Jasheda Reyes, CDBG Associate Planner II at (340) 772-4432.

CDBG is a HUD formula-allocation grant which has as its primary objective the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities. Each funded project must meet at least one of the three national objectives as follows: (1) prevention of slums/blight, (2) address an urgent need and (3) provision of employment or other benefits primarily to low/moderate-income persons. “Primary benefit to low/mod income persons” means:
• at least 51% of the direct beneficiaries of an activity or area residents are low-income
• the activity benefits a population generally presumed to be low-income
• housing is created that will be restricted to occupancy by low-income households
• jobs are created/retained and at least 51% of the jobs will be held or available to low/mod income residents