The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority held a town-hall meeting Tuesday focused on 2025 housing initiatives and financial assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. The meeting covered key topics, including homeownership assistance, emergency rental relief, and community energy innovations to support residents facing housing insecurity.
VIHFA staff welcomed attendees, including community members and representatives from various agencies, ensuring an open forum for discussions on available housing resources. Presenters detailed programs such as the Homeownership Assistance Funds Program, which provides up to $65,000 in COVID-19 hardship relief, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, offering up to 18 months of unpaid rent and utility assistance for eligible residents.
Other programs discussed were the Community Electrical Innovation Program, Veterans Drive Mitigation: Project Phase Two, the ER&R Program Update, Economic Resilience Revitalization, Emergency Housing, Formula Allocation Grant Programs, and efficient solutions to navigate probate challenges.
Shiqoui Isaac, Energy Solutions program manager, introduced the Community Electrical Innovations Program, a $10 million initiative administered by the Virgin Islands Energy Office to enhance the local power system. “The task they are going to accomplish is to install solar panels and battery energy systems on specific entities,” Isaac said.
Mone’t Francis-Gardner, ARP grant administrator, provided updates on the $8.5 million in federal funding secured for homeowners through the Homeowners Assistance Fund, which remains available until Sept. 30, 2026. “The funding for this program is available until Sept. 30, 2026,” Francis-Gardner said, emphasizing the importance of applying before the deadline.
To be eligible for the Homeownership Assistance Program, applicants must:
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Be a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands
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Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
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Have a household income that does not exceed 150 percent of the Area Median Income based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income data
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Attest to experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, related or unrelated to COVID-19
Additionally, residents interested in receiving up to 18 months of unpaid rent and utility assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program must meet the following criteria:
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Have an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Average Median Income
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Be at risk of homelessness or service disconnection due to unpaid rent or utilities
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The household head or cohead must attest to experiencing financial hardship during or after the COVID-19 pandemic
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The household must owe at least one month of rent or utility bills or anticipate the need for future rental assistance
Future applicants were advised to visit erap.vihfa.gov or vihfa.gov for more information on eligibility and application assistance.
Other speakers included Anne Marie Williams, Energy Solutions manager; Donnie Dorsett, deputy director of Resilience and Revitalization; Jo-Lique Margetson, Housing Project manager; Risa Sasso, Homeownership Coordinator III; Nicole Johnson, director of Facilities and Property Management; and Eugene Jones, executive director of VIHFA.
During the Q&A session, attendees inquired about assistance for individuals who already own land but do not meet the financial criteria for first-time homebuyer programs. Jones clarified that while the programs are tailored for first-time homeowners, VIHFA provides financial and advisory support to help all residents access housing resources.
For more information about applications, assistance, or advisory services, residents can
contact the VIHFA Homeownership Division at the St. Thomas or St. Croix office at 340-
774-4432 or email homeownership@vihfa.gov.
