1 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan U.S. Virgin Islands Submitted as a Substantial Amendment to the Program Year 2022 Annual Action Plan (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023) March 31, 2023 2 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Participating Jurisdiction: U.S. Virgin Islands Date: 03/31/2023 INTRODUCTION On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law, which provides over $1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, State and local governments, individuals, and businesses. To address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services, Congress appropriated $5 billion in ARP funds to be administered under the HOME-American Rescue Plan or “HOME-ARP” to perform activities that must primarily benefit certain individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. HOME -ARP defines these “qualifying populations” as (1) homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) (“McKinney- Vento”); (2) at risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401 of McKinney-Vento; (3) fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; (4) other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent a family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; or (5) veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet the criteria in one of (1)-(4) above. HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit the qualifying populations through the four eligible activities: (1) development and support of affordable housing, (2) tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), (3) provision of supportive services; and (4) acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units. The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority will administer the HOME-ARP funds on behalf of the Territory. The Territory’s allocation is $3,325,878. The deadline for expenditure of the HOME- ARP funds is 09/30/2030. In order to receive its HOME-ARP funds, the Territory must develop an allocation plan which describes how it intends to distribute HOME-ARP funds to address the needs of four (4) specific qualifying populations. ▪ Homeless ▪ At-risk of homelessness ▪ Victims of DV (domestic violence), sexual assault, human trafficking ▪ Veterans Each of the four QPs must be served by at least 1 funded activity or project. Eligible activities under HOME-ARP are: ▪ Non-profit operating expenses & capacity-building ▪ Rental housing development ▪ Tenant-based rental assistance ▪ Administration & planning 3 CONSULTATION Before developing its HOME-ARP allocation plan, the Territory must engage in consultation with the CoC(s) serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area and also public agencies and other providers whose clientele include the HOME-ARP qualifying populations – to include homeless and domestic violence service providers, veterans’ groups, the local public housing agency (PHA), and public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities to identify unmet needs and gaps in housing or service delivery systems. The Territory will use the consultation to determine the HOME-ARP eligible activities currently taking place within its jurisdiction and potential collaborations for administering HOME-ARP. In addition, the consultation will provide a basis for the Territory’s strategy for distributing HOME-ARP funds for eligible activities to best meet the needs of qualifying populations. Description of the consultation proces: The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority will administer the HOME-ARP funds on behalf of the Territory. Between January 25 – February 10, 2023, VIHFA conducted direct consultations via virtual conferencing with eight (8) agencies to gather information concerning unmet needs, service gaps, and challenges encountered in accessing housing and other services for the qualifying population clientele that the organization currently serves. An additional four (4) agencies were consulted indirectly – i.e., review of information available in printed reports. Survey questionnaires were sent to an additional seven (7) provider agencies – of which two (2) responded. Other sources of qualitative information included relevant news articles and VIHFA HOME-ARP surveys. Feedback from the consultations held and information from other sources were compiled in the Needs & Gaps Analysis, used to develop the Allocation Plan. Below is a list of the agencies/organizations consulted and a summary of the feedback received. The agencies represented included member agencies from the local Continuum of Care (“CoC”), a federally qualified health center, various homeless service providers, domestic violence providers, the local office of veterans’ affairs and the VA Clinics, and a Protection and Advocacy agency that is part of the National Disability Rights Network. Attempts were made to engage the local PHA (Virgin Islands Housing Authority) directly; however, in lieu of the direct consultation with staff, information was gathered from the PHA’s 2023 Annual Plan. List of organizations consulted: Agency/ Org Consulted Type of Agency/ Org Method of Consultation Feedback Office of Veterans Affairs VA Clinics (VA) Veterans Agency; Veterans Service Provider Services include advocacy, referrals to Via Teams Meeting & VIHFA HOME-ARP Survey Unmet needs: Access to medical services (including paid travel to mainland) for veterans and ancillary services Service gaps: Case management (currently neither the local VA Clinics 4 Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSV) and VA Supportive Housing (HUD- VASH); outreach; financial assistance to medical travel or OVA have a social worker); lack of mental health services/facilities *Note: VI vets have access to Psychiatric In-patient Center at the SJU VA Hospital; however, logistics of transport of mentally unstable patient and legal issues surrounding involuntary commitment virtually negate this option. Priority Needs: Location/facility from which to provide services (OVA envisions “one-stop shop” provision of case mgmt., health screenings, activities, even transitional sheltering Obstacles to securing permanent housing: Limited housing stock; lack of affordable housing unit. Lack of affordable housing inventory eligible for vouchers. Women's Coalition of St. Croix DV Provider Services provided include counseling, advocacy, and support groups for victims of Domestic Violence, & Human Trafficking and other crimes Via Teams Meeting Unmet Needs: Staffing (several key positions currently vacant); Some shelter rehab needs (Sojourner) Service Gaps: Comprehensive mental health services; substance abuse treatment; affordable housing (rent control); financial literacy; entrepreneurial training/mentoring Obstacles to securing permanent housing: Lack of affordable housing inventory, rent control. Section 8 no longer maintaining landlord list. Family Resource Center (FRC) DV Provider Services provided include Counseling, Advocacy, Support Groups to victims of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking and other crimes Via Teams Meeting Unmet Needs: Staffing; safe shelter facility Service gaps: Comprehensive mental health services; substance abuse treatment; affordable housing (rent control) Priority needs: (see service gaps above) Obstacles to securing permanent housing: Lack of affordable housing inventory 5 Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) Trauma - informed services to victims of Human Trafficking. Public Forum- Human Trafficking Awareness Month - Gertrude's Restaurant, STX- Service Gaps: Lack of legal immigration status (non-citizen victims. Victims of trafficking face many issues – e.g., lack of documents, lack of legal immigration status, lack of employment – all of which pose obstacles to securing housing. Priority Needs: Trauma-informed care (which relies heavily on partnerships with NGOs – e.g., victim service providers Catholic Charities Homeless service provider Services include financial assistance and supportive services to homeless, people at-risk of homelessness, Veterans, Domestic Violence Victims, people needing supportive services. Via Teams Meeting Service Gaps: Mental health services in clinic as well as outreach (presently only service available is monthly clinic); night-time meals (not available); limited availability of Meals-on-Wheels Priority Needs: Additional emergency shelter beds; transitional housing permanent supportive housing; affordable rental housing Obstacle in securing permanent housing: Lack of affordable units; lack of available units; Lack of available units; bureaucratic Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) process; landlord reluctance to participate based on (1) prejudgment of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) clients; (2) concern re: service agency’s commitment to provide on- going client support; and (3) payment timeliness concerns Meeting the Needs of Our Community (MTOC) formerly Methodist Training and Outreach Center Homeless service provider; HMIS Lead Agency. Services provided include financial assistance and supportive services to the homeless, people at-risk of homelessness, Veterans, Domestic Via Teams Meeting Unmet needs: Mental health services (identified issue: influx of unstable persons from US mainland needing services). Service gaps: Housing inventory (emergency shelter beds, permanent supportive housing; affordable rental housing); need for day shelter - i.e., physical locations from which basic services can be carried out – “one-stop shop”. Priority Needs: Additional funding for supportive services 6 Violence Victims, people needing supportive services, and human trafficking victims. Obstacles in securing permanent housing: Mental illness; lack of Personal Identifying Information (PII) documents; failed background checks; landlord reluctance due to concern about service agency’s ability to provide ongoing support. Liberty Place Homeless service provider Services include to homeless and at risk (especially those with behavioral health issues) to include Veterans, victims of human trafficking, and people needing supportive services. Via Teams Meeting Service gaps: Lack of viable continuum of services for the mentally ill; Chronically homeless with severe mental illness; discharge planning for prison exits (many have mental illness requiring medication management and other supports) Priority Needs: More viable continuum of services for the mentally ill. Additional trained mental health professionals Obstacles in securing permanent housing: High barrier approach at PHA; questions re; felony convictions & addiction Lack of affordable housing inventory (demand > supply); some process issues; landlord resistance. Legal Services of the VI Private organization addressing fair housing, civil rights, and the legal needs of persons with disabilities Services provided include free legal assistance to the homeless, at-risk of homelessness, veterans, victims of Domestic Violence and Human Tracking, people needing supportive Via Teams Meeting Unmet needs: Understanding of individual’s fair housing rights Service gaps: Mental health services and facilities; Available housing stock (many affordable units are being rented by contract workers thus freezing out locals); lack of available housing Priority Needs: Available affordable housing inventory. (Lack of affordable housing inventory causes many residents to consciously rent properties that they cannot afford out of desperation/determination to have a roof over their head). 7 services, civil rights, and fair housing rights Disability Rights Center of the VI Private organization that addresses fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities. Services include advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities to include assistance to the homeless- at-risk of homelessness, veterans, domestic violence victims, and people needing supportive services, civil rights, and fair housing rights Via Teams Meeting Unmet needs: Untreated mental illness and related health issues; access to assisted technologies in housing for the visually and hearing- impaired Service gaps: Mental health service providers and facilities; lack of care providers; inadequate transition from education system to workforce (training needs) for persons with developmental disabilities Priority Needs: Implementation of the Mental Health State Plan; Mobilization of ACT (assertive community action team) which serves as an important safety net to help clients maintain their housing; discharge planning/coordination re: persons exiting penal institutions; inclusivity (actual and public education); expanded accessibility for persons with mobility disabilities Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) Local PHA. Provides affordable subsidized housing to lower- income families Exchanged information via email No specific feedback received. However, VIHA shared their FY23 Annual Plan which included VIHA’s plans for redevelopment. VIHA’s plans to construct affordable housing units; primarily one, two, and three bedrooms; larger families will be accommodated through Housing Choice Vouchers. As of August 2022, VIHA had a wait list on STT of 365 families (295 or 80% of the families income is . Sumary of any coments or recomendations not acepted and rationale for non - aceptance: Comments Accepted: Comments not accepted: Rationale for coments and recomendations not acepted by VIHFA would be either : activity not consistent with the activities informed by the consultation proces, activity not eligible activities under the HOME - ARP regulations, or a ctivity not feasible wi thin the budgetary constraints of the Territory’s grant allocati NEEDS AND GAPS ANALYSIS The Territory evaluated the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within its boundaries and assessed the unmet needs of those populations. In addition, we have attempted to identify any gaps within our current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system. VIHFA worked closely with the HMIS Lead Agency for the Territory to utilize current data, including point in time count, housing inventory count, and other data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the individuals and families in the qualifying populations and their need for additional housing, shelter, or services. 12 OPTIONAL Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table Homeless Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis Family Adults Only Vets Family HH (at least 1 child) Adult only HH Vets Victims of DV Family Adults Only # of Be ds # of Unit s # of Bed s # of Un its # of Beds # of Be ds # of Un its # of Beds # of Units Emergency Shelter 3 1 9 0 0 Transitional Housing 0 0 60 0 0 Permanent Supportive Housing 0 0 0 0 0 Safe-Haven 0 1 11 0 0 Other Permanent Housing Sheltered Homeless Unsheltered Homeless Curent Gap Data Sources: 1. Point-in-Time Count (PIT); 2. Housing Inventory Count (HIC); 3. Consultation Qualifying Population #1: Homeles as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 (1), (2), or (3) Definition: (1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: 13 (i) An individual or family with a primary nightime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleping acomodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground; (i) An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary livin g arangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state, or local government programs for low - income individuals); or (i) An individual who is exiting an insti tution where he or she resided for 90 days or les and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation imediately before entering that institution; (2) An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that: (i) The primary nightime residence wil be lost within 14 days of the date of aplication for homeles asistance; (i) No subsequent residence has ben identified; and (i) The individual or family lacks the resources or suport networks, e.g., family, friends, faith - based or other social networks neded to obtain other permanent housing; (3) Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who: (i) Are defined as homeles under section 387 of the Runaway and Homeles Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a), section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832), section 41403 of the Violence Against Women Act of 194 (42 U.S.C. 14043e - 2), section 30(h) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(h), section 3 of the Fod and Nutrition Act of 208 (7 U.S.C. 2012), section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 196 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b), or section 725 of the McKiney - Vento Home les Asistance Act (42 U.S.C. 1434a); (i) Have not had a lease, ownership interest, or ocupancy agrement in permanent housing at any time during the 60 days imediately preceding the date of aplication for homeles asistance; (i) Have experien ced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more during the 60 - day period imediately preceding the date of aplying for homeles asistance; and 14 (iv) Can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time because of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance adiction, histories of domestic violence or childhod abuse (including neglect), the presence of a child or youth with a disability, or two or more bariers to employment, which include the lack of a high schol degre or General Education Development (GED), iliteracy, low English proficiency, a history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity, and a history of unstable employment . Size and composition: According to Point-in-Time count conducted in January 2023, approximately 318 U.S. Virgin Islands residents are currently unsheltered. The number found homeless annually is very consistent from year to year- the 2011 count found 366, the 2013 count identified 363, 2015 found 338, 2017 found 362 persons, 2019 found 232, and 2021 identified 113 (pandemic count). It is important to note that national experts, as well as the local homeless providers who participate in the annual Point-in-Time counts, indicate that the number of homeless found during the count likely considerably underestimates the actual number of persons who are homeless at a given point. The largest demographic of homeless persons in the Territory is single persons while family households are in the single digits. The majority (75%) were male. Most of those counted were unsheltered. Approximately 2.5% of those counted were aged 18-24. 2.5% of those counted disclosed a positive HIV status. While data likely undercounts the factors, well over 50% of the unsheltered suffered from mental illness and 60% suffered from a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse is often a co--occurring disorder. Whether co-occurring or not, adequate evaluation and treatment for substance abuse is also a priority for persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Thus, a significant number of homeless single adults need stabilizing services and housing in order to become self-sufficient and live to their capacity in the community. Qualifying Population #2: At - risk of homelesnes as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 Definition: (1) An individual or family who: (i) Has an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD; (ii) Does not have sufficient resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith- based or other social networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in paragraph (1) of the “Homeless” definition in this section; and (iii) Meets one of the following conditions: (A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention 15 assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by federal, State, or local government programs for low- income individuals; (E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 people per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health- care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or (G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan; (2) A child or youth who does not qualify as “homeless” under this section, but qualifies as “homeless” under section 387(3) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)), section 637(11) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832(11)), section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), section 330(h)(5)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(h)(5)(A)), section 3(l) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(l)), or section 17(b)(15) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(15)); or (3) A child or youth who does not qualify as “homeless” under this section but qualifies as “homeless” under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 1434a(2)), and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that child or youth if living with her or him. Size and composition: There is no reliable data at the community level to make a valid estimate of the number of households at risk of homelessness. The cost of housing, utilities, and transportation, coupled with low incomes and poverty puts people at risk. Persons with extreme cost burdens and, in 16 general, populations with very low incomes (30% or less of AMI) are among the most vulnerable to homelessness. According to VI Housing Authority report, as of August 2022, more than 800 families, which make up 88% of families on the waiting list for affordable housing units, earn below 30% of the AMI and are considered extremely low income. In addition to income, a combination of factors such as domestic violence, illness, addiction, high health care costs, high housing costs, and unemployment contribute to risk. Loss of a job or a medical expense or medical condition can be the determining factor in the loss of housing. Unstable housing conditions also include doubling up in overcrowded conditions or occupying unsafe buildings. Vulnerable populations leaving institutions or care are at risk unless suitable care and support is available to insure long-term stability and self-reliance to the extent achievable. Without support in the community to maintain stability, people are vulnerable to falling repeatedly into homelessness. Rent burden is a significant issue in the Territory. Many U.S. Virgin Islands households are paying more than they can afford for their housing. The 2010 census showed that, excluding households who have no cash rent, nearly half of renters in the Territory were cost-burdened. Twenty-four percent of renter households were cost burdened (paying up to 50% of their income for rent and utilities) and 25% were severely cost-burdened, paying 50% or more of their income for housing and utilities. ▪ In the entire Territory, 4,547 renter households are cost-burdened (paying between 30% and 50% of income for housing and utilities). ▪ One quarter of renter households (4,774 households) are severely cost burdened paying half or more of their income for housing. Unfortunately, data are not available for as detailed an analysis as CHAS tables would allow; however, the 2010 census provides an insight into cost-burden by age of householder. Almost half (46%) of renter households age 65 and older pay 35% or more of their income for housing costs (including utilities). This is consistent across the islands. Younger householders are also cost-burdened – 39% of households with a householder aged 15 to 64 are burdened by rents and utilities costs that are 35% or more of household income. The greatest percentage of households burdened was found on St. John (48%), followed by St. Thomas (41%). The 2010 census also provides data on cost burdens by household income. The greatest degree of cost burden is shouldered by households with lowest incomes. In the Virgin Islands as a whole, 4,762 renters with incomes less than $20,000 were burdened by rent (including utilities) equal to 35% or more of household income. That number represented 82% of all renter households in that income range (for which data were available). Of all renter households with incomes between $20,000 and $34,999, 2,230 households were burdened by high rents in relation to income and that was equal to almost half of the households (46%) in that income range. Another indication of the number of renters in U.S. Virgin Islands that are housing insecure is the demand seen for emergency rental assistance under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created to help individuals 17 and families who have been financially impacted (i.e., experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship - whether directly or indirectly) due to, or during, the COVID-19 pandemic to pay rent and/or utilities. As of February 28, 2023, VIHFA had approved $5.9 million in rent and utility assistance for 865 households. Of the $5.9 Million disbursed, approximately $1.15 Million has benefitted households residing in subsidized housing. In addition, of the households that have received rental assistance to date, approximately 12% of the households have exhausted the maximum benefit (= 18 months) and cannot receive additional financial assistance under the program. It is anticipated that many of these households, despite having exhausted the benefits available under ERAP, have not regained income stability and will not be able to sustain the rent in their current unit without some form of rental assistance. Qualifying Po pulation #3: Fleing, or at em pting to fle domestic violence, dating violence , sexual asault, stalking, or human traficking Definition: This population includes any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This population includes cases where an individual or family reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence due to dangerous or life-threatening conditions that relate to violence against the individual or a family member, including a child, that has either taken place within the individual’s or family’s primary nighttime residence or has made the individual or family afraid to return or remain within the same dwelling unit. In the case of sexual assault, this also includes cases where an individual reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if the individual remains within the same dwelling unit that the individual is currently occupying, or the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the 90-day period preceding the date of the request for transfer. Domestic violence , which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by: 1) A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim (the term “spouse or intimate partner of the victim” includes a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship); 2) A person with whom the victim shares a child in common; 3) A person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 4) A person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving HOME-ARP funds; or 5) Any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that 18 person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. Dating violence which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means violence committed by a person: 1) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and 2) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: a. The length of the relationship; b. The type of relationship; and c. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Sexual asault which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, Tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. Stalking which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: 1) Fear for the person’s individual safety or the safety of others; or 2) Suffer substantial emotional distress. Human Traficking includes both sex and labor trafficking, as outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. 7102). These are defined as: 1) Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or 2) Labor trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, using force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt 3) bondage, or slavery. Size and composition: There are presently two (2) victim service provider agencies operating in the jurisdiction – each one serving the respective district. Both agencies participated in the consultation; however, only one entity provided statistics for 2022, as requested. Given that the two districts have roughly the same population, the following data for the entire Territory has been determined by extrapolating 19 the data provided by Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. DV, dating, stalking, sexual assault: On St. Croix, a total of 86 households were served by the Victim Service Provider agency in 2022. Thirty-six (36) households were provided with emergency shelter in the DV emergency shelter (or other short-term locations due to capacity issues). 6 households were adults only households (representing 16.67% of those provided with emergency shelter) and 30 were households with children (representing 83.23% of those provided with emergency shelter). Consistent with the racial/ethnic distribution of the Territory’s population, the clients were predominantly African-American/Caribbean, or Hispanic/Latino, with only a few Caucasians. Seventeen (17) households were assisted with permanent housing. Of these, 2 (representing 11.8% of those assisted with permanent housing) were adult-only households and 15 (representing 88.23% of those assisted with permanent housing) were households with children. Extrapolating to the entire jurisdiction, we might estimate the population of DV, dating, stalking, sexual assault victims at 180 households. Approximately 42% of the households (=76) may require short-term placement in emergency shelter or other locations; 13 adult-only and 63 households with children. Twenty percent (20%) of the total DV, dating, stalking, sexual assault households (= 36 households) may require assistance with permanent housing. Of those, 5 households can be expected to be adult-only households while 31 would be households with children. Human Trafficking: 2 survivors of human trafficking were served on St. Croix; both were housed at the emergency shelter/safe house. 1 survivor was African-American; the other identified as Hispanic. Both were single females. The St. Thomas/St. John district reported at least (2) high- profile cases which were prosecuted by the local judicial system. The total number of victims rescued in those two cases was approximately 10 victims of sex trafficking. Qualifying Population #4: Other Definition: Populations for which providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of NAHA (4 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. HUD defines these populations as individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the populations above but meet one of the following criteria: (1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness is defined as households (i.e., individuals and families) who have previously been qualified as “homeless” as defined in 24 CFR 91.5, are currently housed due to temporary or emergency assistance, including financial assistance, services, temporary rental assistance or some type of other assistance to allow the household to be housed, and who need additional housing assistance or supportive services to avoid a return to homelessness. (2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability is defined as household who meets 20 either paragraph (i) or (ii) below: (i) has annual income that is less than or equal to 30% of the area median income, as determined by HUD and is experiencing severe cost burden (i.e., is paying more than 50% of monthly household income toward housing costs); (ii) has annual income that is less than or equal to 50% of the area median income, as determined by HUD, AND meets one of the following conditions from paragraph (iii) of the “At risk of homelessness” definition established at 24 CFR 91.5: (A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals; (E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 persons reside per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or (G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan Veterans and Families that include a Veteran Family Member that meet the criteria for one of the Size and Composition: Assessing the size of the population needing support services to prevent homelessness or at greater risk of housing instability is particularly difficult because the Territory does not have an operational Coordinated Entry System (“CES”). An analysis conducted in 2019 utilizing a dynamic system modeling tool estimated the Territory’s need for permanent supportive units at nearly 450 units. Descri ption of the unmet housing and service neds of qualifying p opulations : 21 H omeles populations as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 As reported by the Housing Inventory Count (HIC), the Territory’s combined inventory of year- round emergency shelter, transitional housing, and safe haven beds numbers 83. (11 of those beds are dedicated DV beds). Given the number of unsheltered homeless identified by the PIT count, there is a critical need for additional beds. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula allocation funds have been obligated for the construction of two new emergency shelters (one each on St. Croix and St. Thomas) and one transitional facility; these facilities are expected to come on- line within the next two years. The individuals experiencing homelessness can be divided into several cohorts, all of which potentially have different pathways out of homelessness. One cohort is made up of the chronic homeless population. These mostly single individuals often are natives or long-standing residents of the Territory, may have tenuous access to a local support system and/or community connections, but also have substantial needs which impair their ability to be stably housed in permanent housing without intensive case management support services. Their needs range from personal identification (PII) documents, linkages to care and benefits. Adequate evaluation and treatment for mental illness and substance abuse is also a priority need as a significant number of homeless single adults need stabilizing services. Another cohort is predominantly made up of "short stayers," who may not be from the Territory originally. This cohort includes individuals who are situationally homeless. This includes workers who relocated to the islands for employment, were laid off or lost their job, and subsequently lost income which contributed to their homelessness. This cohort also includes individuals who are fleeing their country of residence - e.g., Dominican Republic and Haiti – seeking better economic opportunities, and individuals who have moved from the states - possibly with the perception that USVI is attractive due to warmer weather/lower cost of living. These individuals do not necessarily have support systems on the islands and sometimes have barriers to accessing traditional mainstream resources (e.g., public benefits, public housing) due to immigration status. At - risk of homelesnes population as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 It has been established that high housing and utility costs, coupled with low incomes and poverty puts people at risk of housing instability. Persons with extreme cost burdens and, in general, populations with very low incomes (30% or less of AMI) are among the most vulnerable to homelessness. In addition to income, a combination of factors such as domestic violence, illness, addiction, high health care costs, high housing costs, and unemployment contribute to risk. There is a critical need for diversion resources to ensure that at-risk households remain housed and do not become homeless adding further burden to the crisis response system. One key resource is homelessness prevention (rental assistance), and an increased supply of affordable rental units. U.S. Virgin Islands is experiencing an extremely low vacancy rate in its rental market. The result is increased competition for rental units, higher prices and a market that disadvantages individuals perceived as being risky tenants. This low-vacancy rate and rising housing costs places many households at increased risk of homelessness. 22 Fleing, or atempting to fle DV, dating violence, sexual asault, stalking, or human traficking Other qualifying populations • Populations at greatest risk of housing instability; Other populations requiring services or housing asistance to prevent homelesnes Some populations are especially vulnerable and will likely have temporary or long-term requirements for additional support. These include people who will need special support because of disabilities (age- related, physical, developmental, or mental), because of trauma (violence in the home or community, trauma from war), because of illness, and because of substance abuse. Some of the most vulnerable people are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. There is a frustrating lack of data to describe the level of need. Care for many is along a continuum often started with crisis intervention. The most humane and least costly solutions in the long run are those that provide the appropriate level of support to allow people to live as independently as possible. There is a lack of mental health services, case management and residential placement resulting in continuous cycles of homelessness for persons without family support or other alternatives. Substance abuse is often co- occurring with mental illness and a contributor to homelessness. The aging population will need additional supportive services in the years ahead. This is also the case for other populations with special needs including persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems, HIV/AIDS, and those with developmental or physical disabilities. For all, the overriding understanding is that self-sufficiency and independence are primary goals, while being connected to the community and family. Supportive services and case management are necessary during crisis intervention and stabilization and, for some, on an ongoing basis. For victims of domestic violence and persons with mental illness or disabilities, the needs go beyond crisis and short-term intervention. A flexible system of support is required to assist the individual or family to achieve self-sufficiency. These needs include appropriate options for housing, including options for support for youth coming from foster care, juvenile detention and off-island placement for mental health or behavior problems. There is a need for respite care, for safe housing upon release from treatment, and for sufficient trained case management and after-care. The U.S. Virgin Islands Five-Year Mental Health Strategic Plan 2014-2019 points to a number of system gaps resulting from a long period of decline and reduction in dedicated funding. Those gaps include primary care and prevention, in-patient beds, case management, quality community oriented and outpatient care, intermediate care beds, forensic care for offenders and sufficient home care. While needs for housing and supportive services existed prior to the hurricanes in 2017, the existing system of support for special populations was severely challenged by the storms. FEMA- supported community planning efforts on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John resulted in Community Recovery Plans for each area. The need for increased supportive housing and services was a common theme as was support for agencies serving those populations. There is a need for increased coordination and for ongoing staff training and development. 23 A housing gaps analysis conducted in 2019 utilizing a dynamic system modeling tool estimated that the Territory’s need for permanent supportive housing at nearly 450 units; however, with less than 90 units in its inventory, the Territory faced a deficit of 373 units. The system modeling tool used the 2019 U.S.V.I. data from the HIC and PIT count to demonstrate how to tailor resources to meet community needs. This system modeling tool is dynamic and can be updated, as needed, - i.e., as more accurate data that demonstrates the full scale and nature of homelessness is obtained. It is important to note that no PSH units have been added to the inventory in the succeeding years. Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) is the local PHA and it manages the waiting list for both public housing and the HCV program waiting list. There are separate applications and waiting lists for public housing and HCV. As of March 2021, the waiting list for public housing included 366 households in the St. Croix district and 342 households in the St. Thomas district. According to data found in the VIHA 2022-23 Annual Report, more than 1,900 U.S. Virgin Islands households are seeking subsidized rental assistance through VIHA for public housing and HCV combined. Furthermore, there are housing choice vouchers issued to applicants that are unable to find a unit to rent. All of these conditions point to the critical shortage of housing affordable to low-income households, particularly extremely low-income households and those with special needs. Families and individuals experiencing homelessness in particular, also require assistance finding and maintaining affordable housing including wrap-around supportive services. Finally, resources are needed to address temporary financial hardships experienced by these households to divert them from homeless. Identify and consider the curent resources available to asist qualifying populations, including congregate and non - congregate shelter units, suportive services, TBRA, and afordable and permanent suportive rental housing: Shelter Units: As indicated in its 2022 Housing Inventory Count, U.S. Virgin Islands’ homeless system had a total of 83 emergency shelter, transitional, and safe haven beds for people experiencing homelessness and fleeing domestic violence. Unfortunately, there is still a need for additional beds. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Projects funded through the VI Continuum of Care (“CoC”), and the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) administer several tenants- based rental assistance programs, totaling over $1.6 million. This investment in TBRA is sourced by federal HUD funds. Permanent Supportive Housing: According to the most recent Housing Inventory Chart, conducted in 2022, there are no permanent supportive housing beds for individuals and/or families. Identify the characteristics of housing asociated with instability and an increased risk of homelesnes if the PJ wil include such conditions in its definition of “other populations” as established in the HOME - ARP Notice: 24 VIHFA will not include these conditions in its definition of other populations. HOME-ARP ACTIVITIES Descri ption of the method for soliciting aplications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors and whether the PJ wil administer eligible activities directly: VIHFA does not anticipate administering any of the HOME-ARP programmatic activities directly. It is anticipated that the VIHFA will competitively award grants to subrecipients for the administration of tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), and provision of supportive services (case management) through an established application process. The details of the application process will be outlined in the development of HOME-ARP program policies and procedures. Supportive Services: VIHFA will allocate the largest amount of HOME-ARP Program funds, $1,993,378, for supportive services that can either stand-alone or be paired with the tenant-based assistance program. Funds will be awarded to existing supportive housing providers or new providers to deliver improved quality care to qualifying populations where current resources are insufficient to provide such services currently or to meet current demand. Supportive services can include but are not limited to: (i) support with housing and benefits applications and re-examinations, (ii) coordination of healthcare, assistance with transportation and access to food, and, (iii) support in navigating relationships with landlords and the broader community. Supportive services will encompass both direct services such as support with housing and benefits applications and reexaminations; treatment or case planning; co-ordination of on-going healthcare, including mental health and substance use treatment; support with managing tenancy and community relationships as well as organizational support to develop capacity to provide quality services. HOME-ARP funds may be used to provide a broad range of supportive services to qualifying individuals or families. While a broad range of supportive services associated with McKinney- Vento Supportive Services and Homelessness Prevention Services is found at Section VI.D.4.c.i of the HOME-ARP Notice, the Territory’s proposed HOME-ARP TBRA will limit the eligible activities to case management, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, life skills training, housing search and counseling, and financial assistance costs. Eligible costs for an individual or family in a qualifying population will vary somewhat depending on whether the assisted household is homeless or unstably housed. If a person is homeless, then the person will be eligible to be provided with a broad range of supportive services defined as 25 McKinney-Vento supportive services. If a person is housed and the supportive services are intended to help the program participant regain stability in the program participant’s current permanent housing or move into other permanent housing to achieve stability in that housing, then the person is eligible for homelessness prevention services for the costs allowable in Section VI.D.4.c.i below. Housing Counseling services may be provided regardless of whether a person is homeless or currently housed. Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelters: VIHFA will not utilize HOME-ARP funding to support the acquisition and development of non- congregate shelters. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): VIHFA will allocate $1,000,000 for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. It is estimated that the allocation will support XX households for (time period). This project also includes administrative costs to support XX FTE to support the intake, assessment, service coordination and other voucher administration activities. HOME-ARP funds may be used to provide tenant-based rental assistance to qualifying households (“HOME-ARP TBRA”). Eligible costs under HOME-ARP TBRA include rental assistance, security deposit payments, and utility deposit assistance to qualifying households. HOME-ARP funds may be used to pay for up to 100% of these eligible costs. HOME-ARP TBRA assisted households may choose to rent any eligible rental unit that meets the applicable property standards. Only individuals and families in the qualifying populations are eligible to receive HOME-ARP TBRA assistance. Tenant selection shall be performed in accordance with written tenant selection policies and criteria that are based on the preferences and prioritization established in this HOME- ARP Allocation Plan. Other program design factors - including but not limited to identification of the entity responsible for conducting program operations, maximum subsidy, rent standard, term of contract, tenant protections, documentation requirements, and Housing Quality Standards for assisted units - will be finalized by the VIHFA prior to implementation of the program. Rental Housing Development: VIHFA will not utilize HOME-ARP funding to support rental housing development. Non-Profit Operating/Capacity Building: VIHFA will not utilize HOME-ARP funding to support non-profit/capacity building. Administration & Planning: VIHFA will utilize $332,500.00 for costs associated with reasonable administration and planning 26 of its HOME-ARP initiative which shall include: 1. Reasonable costs of overall HOME-ARP program management, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. Such costs include, but are not limited to, necessary expenditures for the following: a. The prorated share of the salary, wages, and related costs of each person whose job includes any program administrative assignments such as developing systems and schedules for complying with HOME-ARP program requirements, developing inter-agency agreements and agreements with entities receiving HOME-ARP funds; monitoring HOME-ARP activities for progress and compliance; and preparing HOME-ARP reports and other documents related to the HOME-ARP program for submission to HUD; coordinating the resolution of audit and monitoring findings on HOME-ARP activities; program evaluation and managing or supervising persons whose primary responsibilities with regard to the HOME-ARP Program include such assignments as those described above. b. Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out the HOME-ARP program. c. Administrative services performed under third party contracts or agreements, including such services as general legal services, accounting services, and audit services. d. Other costs for goods and services required for administering the HOME-ARP program, such as rental or purchase of equipment, insurance, information systems necessary to track and implement beneficiaries of HOME-ARP activities, utilities, office supplies, and rental and maintenance of office space. e. Costs of administering HOME-ARP TBRA and HOME-ARP supportive services programs. 2. Staff and overhead costs of the PJ directly related to carrying out a HOME-ARP project 3. The provision of information and other resources to residents and citizen organizations participating in the planning, implementation, or assessment of projects being assisted with HOME- ARP funds. 4. Activities to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) 5. Indirect costs under VIHFA’s approved Indirect Cost Allocation Plan 6. Preparation of the HOME-ARP allocation plan as required in this Notice – such as the costs of public hearing, consultations, and publications. Pursuant to the HOME-ARP regulations, PJs may provide all or a portion of its HOME-ARP administrative funds to subrecipients and contractors that are administering activities on behalf of the PJ. VIHFA reserves the right to make a determination in the future regarding whether it will make administrative funds available to subrecipients. 27 VIHFA will ensure that all administration and planning costs charged to the programs shall comply with the Cost Principles contained in subpart E of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements. If any portion of the PJ’s HOME - ARP administrative funds were provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD’s acceptance of the - ARP alocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ’s entire HOME - ARP grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ’s HOME - ARP program: VIHFA has not provided any administrative funds to subrecipients or contractors for the development or administration of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. PJs must indicate the amount of HOME - ARP funding that is planed for each eligible HOME - ARP activity type and demonstrate tha t any planed funding for nonprofit organization operating asistance, nonprofit capacity building, and administrative costs is within HOME - ARP limits. USE OF HOME-ARP FUNDING Funding Amount Percent of Grant Statutory Limit Supportive Services $ 1,993,378 Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelters -0- Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) $1,000,000 Development of Affordable Rental Housing -0- Non-Profit Operating -0- 0% 5% Non-Profit Capacity Building -0- 0% 5% Administration and Planning $ 332,500 10% 15% Total HOME ARP Allocation $ 3,325,878 Descri ption of how the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the neds identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible activities: Homeless families and individuals who are very or extremely low-income require a wide range of services and supports to remain stably housed. It is not surprising that our outreach efforts generated a wide range of responses on system gaps and strategies to address them. However, the highest priority needs that were consistently identified through these efforts and reinforced with the data described earlier in this document were: 1) Increasing access to affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations; and 2) Expanding supportive services to help vulnerable populations access housing and remain stably housed. Although there is a need for additional units of shelter, it was 28 determined that acquisition of units was not feasible at this time due to the high cost of real estate and construction across the Territory. Increasing access to affordable housing: The Homeless and Housing Inventory and Gaps Analysis included above clearly shows significant gaps in the supply of everything from shelter beds and permanent supportive housing, to housing affordable and available to low-income households. Although there is a need for additional units of shelter, it was determined that development of rental housing units is not feasible at this time due to the high cost of real estate and construction across the Territory. Although the Territory’s Allocation Plan does not propose development of new rental units, the plan addresses expanding housing "opportunities. Expanding supportive services: Organizations providing supportive services to families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are already facing a critical shortage of staff to meet the increasing needs of these vulnerable populations. Without supportive services, many at risk households are unable to sustain housing and landlords are often less likely to serve these populations without these kinds of wrap-around services in place. VIHFA intends to dedicate a portion of HOME-ARP funds to expand supportive services for eligible populations, divert households from homelessness by addressing emergency costs that could result in the loss of housing, and leverage additional federal resources that can sustain this work over the long-term. HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that the PJ will produce or support with its HOME-ARP allocation: VIHFA does not plan to utilize HOME-ARP funding for the production of new rental housing units. Des cribe the specific afordable rental housing production goal that the PJ hopes to achieve and describe how it will address the PJ’s priorit VIHFA does not plan to utilize HOME-ARP funds for the production of new rental housing. PREFERENCES I ndication of whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project: Pursuant to the HOME-ARP regulations, Participating Jurisdictions are permitted to establish reasonable preferences for selection for HOME-ARP projects or activities. Preferences are used to establish the order in which applicants are admitted to housing or shelter or provided with HOME- 29 ARP tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) or services. A preference provides a priority in the selection of applicants for a project or activity among Qualifying Populations or among a specific category/subpopulation within a Qualifying Population; however, a preference shall not violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements. Preferences do not make anyone eligible who was not otherwise eligible for HOME-ARP assistance (i.e., a member of a QP) but rather, a preference permits an eligible QP applicant that qualifies for a PJ-adopted preference to be selected for HOME-ARP assistance before another eligible Qualifying Population applicant that does not qualify for a preference. A preference does not exclude an individual or household that qualifies under any of the four defined Qualifying Populations from applying for the HOME-ARP project or activity. While recognizing the importance of providing maximum program flexibility and opportunities for all residents of the Territory in the various qualifying populations, VIHFA has elected to give preference to persons experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. By establishing this homeless preference, VIHFA ensures that persons experiencing or at-risk of homelessness will be selected for HOME-ARP assistance before another eligible Qualifying Population applicant that it not presently experiencing homelessness. E xpla nation re: how the use of a preference or method of prioritization wil adres the unmet ned or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or category of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ’s needs asse gap analysis: The results of the consultations conducted indicate that the most significant barriers are for the homeless - especially those with mental illness. The needs and gaps analysis revealed that, while there are numerous gaps in the homeless housing and service system, the over-arching need for mental health services (both in-patient and outpatient), affordable housing, and supportive services to ensure that clients can successfully maintain housing once housed. By adopting a homeless preference. Further, current and historic data reveals a significant deficit in supportive housing resources for this population. If a preference was identified, describe how the PJ wil use HOME - ARP funds to adres the unmet neds or gaps in benefits and services of the other qualifying populations that are not included in the preference: Subrecipients carrying out HOME-ARP activities will be required to create/maintain a waiting list for their program/services. In accordance with the homeless preference that will be adopted, persons who are currently experiencing homelessness as defined at 24 CFR 91.5 Homeless (1), (2), or (3) shall be given priority for programs/services offered. If there is no person who meets the homeless definition (1), (2), or (3) currently on the waiting list, the subrecipient may provide services to persons from other qualifying populations based on the order in which the applications were received - i.e., first-come, first-served. 30 LIMITATION S Description of whether the PJ intends to limit eligibility for HOME - AR P funded projects to a particular qualifying population or a specific subpopulation of a qualifying populations: No limitations will be implemented by the participating jurisdiction. HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines – NOT APPLICABLE VIHFA does not intend to use any portion of the Territory’s HOME-ARP funds to rehabilitate housing and thus HOME-ARP funding will not refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing. CONCLUSION HOME-ARP funding allocated to the Territory is an important new resource that will supplement existing federal and local funding sources and thus, enable the jurisdiction to make significant strides toward addressing homelessness. The U.S. Virgin Islands suffers from a lack of affordable housing inventory and a lack of emergency shelter and transitional housing units; but most notably, service provider agencies are unable to secure adequate staffing to provide case management and supportive services. Informed by these conditions, VIHFA plans to make HOME-ARP funding available to eligible service providers to support eligible activities – specifically, tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services – benefitting our Territory’s Qualifying Populations. The VIHFA reserves the right to further revise the Allocation Plan in the future as needed. 31 Appendix A – March 22, 2023, Virtual Public Hearing Participants 32 Appendix C - Continuum of Care Board Mark Constantine- Community Representative Temara Honore- Women’s Coalition of STX Chainie Lang- St. Croix Mission Outreach Louise Petersen- Southern Maryland Youth Training & Outreach Center Andrea Shillingford- Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands Kendal Tutein- Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Dan Derima- Immediate Past Chair of the Board Erma Derima- HMIS Lead Agency Representative Janine Hector- Collaborative Applicant Representative 33 For more information about the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, please contact Mrs. Mone’t Francis-Gardner. Mone’t Francis-Gardner ARP Grant Administrator Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority 3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6447 (340)777-4432 x 2263 mgardner@vihfa.gov