March 22, 2022

VIHFA Accepting Applications for CDBG Cares Act Funding

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, 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