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Virgin Islands Finance Housing Finance Authority Executive Director, Daryl Griffith, shared news that will likely bring joy to Virgin Islands tenants and landlords that have experienced hardships during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking during the Bryan administration's Covid-19 response update press briefing Monday, he announced that the much anticipated rental assistance program will go live on March 29.
Mr. Griffith also stated that while the program won’t be active until the end of the month, Virgin Islands residents should expect “a blitz of advertising” this coming week to provide the information people will need to apply.
He listed items tenants will need to apply to the program:
- Landlord’s name, mailing address and telephone number
- A statement of rent owed or an eviction notice from the landlord
- A birth certificate or real ID Driver’s License and Social Security card of all household members
- A signed copy of your lease
- Valid ID or current utility bill to verify USVI residency, past due notices
- Copy of 2019 tax return (if applicable)
- Proof of household income status (if applicable)
- Unemployment insurance if applicable)
- Job letter (if applicable)
- Layoff or furlough letter (if applicable)
- Two months worth of pay stubs (if applicable)
- Social Security Benefits (if applicable)
Those planning to use the funding for past-due utilities will need to furnish proof of utilities owed. According to Mr. Griffith, while it’s the tenant's responsibility to apply, the checks will be cut to the landlords directly.
The program can cover up to 12 months of rental assistance and utilities owed, and benefits can go as far back as March 2020. The program also allows for up to three months of rent payments in the future for persons who may still need assistance.
On Wednesday, March 17 more information will be available here.
