The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced it is expanding its longstanding Rapid Response grant program in the modified form of Hurricane Relief Rapid Response Block Grants to three non-profit agencies operating territory-wide. Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Methodist Training and Outreach Center and VI Partners for Healthy Communities will each receive a block grant of $25,000.
The purpose of the Hurricane Rapid Response Block Grant Program – funded through the CFVI Friends and Family Fund for USVI Renewal (FNF) – is to enhance the capacity of nonprofit partners to meet the needs of individuals in the aftermath of the two hurricanes. The FNF Fund was established to accommodate donations from CFVI’s family, friends, existing fund donors, angels and other partners.
This fund is administered by CFVI’s Board of Directors with an emphasis on immediate grassroots needs in the community and support for long-term solutions in some of CFVI’s main areas of focus (e.g., early childhood, youth development, volunteerism, the elderly, emergency needs of families).
Priority will be given to vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, caregivers responsible for young children or the elderly, individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, etc.) and those with needs that cannot be met by other sources (e.g., FEMA, unemployment assistance, medication supplement programs, etc.).
Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the grantee organizations directly. Each of the organizations has locations on both St. Croix and St. Thomas (also serving St. John and Water Island residents).
Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands works to reduce poverty, supporting families and empowering communities.
Methodist Training and Outreach Center Inc. provides support services and housing placement for the homeless, veterans and low-income families.
VI Partners for Healthy Communities provides service integration, outreach, education and increased access to the public health care system to high risk pregnant women and residents diagnosed with diabetes and/or high blood pressure.
To learn more about CFVI’s hurricane relief efforts, including how you can support them, visit CFVI’s website at http://www.cfvi.net/.
