The V.I. Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), under the interim direction of Executive Director Dayna Clendinen, has announced the opening of applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the grant year 2024. The CDBG, a formula-allocation grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is aimed at fostering viable urban communities through the development of decent housing, suitable living environments, and the expansion of economic opportunities.

Projects funded under the CDBG must align with one of the following three national objectives:

1. Prevention of slums/blight.
2. Addressing urgent needs.
3. Providing employment or other benefits primarily to low or moderate-income persons.

The “primary benefit to low/mod income persons” criterion is defined as follows:

• At least 51% of the direct beneficiaries of an activity or area residents must be low-income.
• The activity should benefit a population generally presumed to be low-income.
• Housing created should be restricted to occupancy by low-income households.
• Jobs created or retained where at least 51% of the positions will be held or made available to low/mod income residents.

For the 2024 grant year, the CDBG is particularly interested in receiving proposals for programs focusing on mental health services, homeless services, after-school care, and/or summer programs with an emphasis on academic enhancement for youth ages 4-16. Applicants may also submit proposals for projects/programs other than those listed.

Eligible applicants include non-profit and faith-based organizations, governmental agencies, and for-profit entities (only for economic development activities). To request an application, interested parties are advised to contact the VIHFA offices in St. Thomas or St. Croix between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

The application deadline is set for Friday, March 15, 2023, at 3:00 PM, with no extensions granted.

Additionally, prospective applicants are required to attend one of the mandatory orientation sessions. These sessions are scheduled for:

• Session A: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM.
• Session B: Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

Registration for these sessions can be completed online through provided Zoom links. After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with access information for joining the training.

For further details or additional information, inquiries can be directed to Ms. Jennifer Jones, Program Manager, or Ms. Samalia Wyllis, Associate Planner I, at (340) 777-4432 (St. Thomas/St. John) or Ms. Kalimah Henry, Associate Planner II, at (340) 772-4432 (St. Croix).