Territory Receives Housing, Economic and Community Development
Submitted by Newsline 340 on January 27, 2012
Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. announced today the territory has received three grants to assist low-income Virgin Islanders with housing and other critical needs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Mercedes Marquez sent a letter to Governor de Jongh informing him of the awards.
“The 2012 allocations for the Office of Community Planning and Development’s formula programs will help some of our citizens who are struggling most to make sure they have a roof over their heads and other essential needs through these challenging economic times,” de Jongh said.
The Virgin Islands will receive a Community Development Block Grant of $1,889,657; HOME Investment Partnerships of $688,217; and an Emergency Solution Grant of $154,866. These programs that provide funding for housing, community and economic development activities were signed into law by President Obama in November, according to a government house release.
The CDBG and HOME grants help states and territories “navigate these difficult economic times” Marquez wrote, adding the fiscal year 2012 funding “represents a significant cut from last year’s budget.” The programs saw an 11 percent drop in available funding, creating “a difficult period of adjustment for many of our grantees.”
Marquez said the reduced funding levels may force restructuring at a time when communities face significant needs. As such, the office of Community Planning and Development is offering technical assistance to governments that need to modify their local programs to make do with fewer resources.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to support you as you face these challenges,” Marquez told de Jongh.
The Emergency Solution Grant was formerly called an Emergency Shelter Grant, reflecting the change in the program’s focus from addressing the needs of homeless people in shelters to helping people quickly regain permanent housing after becoming homeless.