Housing
The CDBG-DR housing recovery programs address unmet needs, helping vulnerable residents, homeowners, and tenants achieve sustainable housing. These programs offer funding for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and new construction of affordable, project-based subsidized housing.
Objectives:
Supporting residents, particularly low- and moderate-income individuals, by rehabilitating or replacing housing units with mitigation enhancements.
Leveraging other funding to address rehabilitation gaps and maximize CDBG-DR dollars.
Aiding vulnerable populations through rehabilitation and development of temporary, emergency, and permanent supportive housing.
Developing new housing stock to meet the demand for affordable rental and owner-occupied homes.
Improving housing resilience to reduce risk and strengthen neighborhoods for future disasters while restoring buildings and residences.
Public & Affordable Housing Development Program (PAHD)
Subrecipient: Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Project Name: Walter IM Hodge Pavillion
The scope of work encompasses both interior and exterior rehabilitation and renovation. Within the apartments, the scope includes interior rehabilitation, non-hazardous abatement, installation of new plumbing and electrical wiring, and the introduction of energy-efficient kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Additionally, it involves the installation of new floor tiles and painting, new kitchen cabinets, and upgrades to smoke detectors. Certain units will undergo asbestos and lead-based paint remediation, as well as mold abatement as identified through environmental assessments.
The exterior work will address the rehabilitation of all buildings and site improvements throughout the project, including the installation of new roofs on each building and planned solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. This aesthetically pleasing façade system will serve as a major wind retrofit and resilient feature. The wind retrofit system will include hurricane-wind resistant windows and entry doors, as well as new exterior louvers and protection for stairwells.
Furthermore, new site beautification measures will be implemented, including landscaping, redesigned pedestrian walkways, seating areas, recreational facilities, and parking improvements. The project will also significantly enhance community spaces, including a renovated community center/property office building featuring a computer room and library. In addition, a new senior center will be established to meet the needs of residents by transforming two existing residential units into this community space.
Location Description:
#194A, 194AA, 194AB & 194C Estate Smithfield, Frederiksted, St. Croix 00820U.S. Virgin Islands and was built in 1970.
Funding Sources:
CDBG-DR $22,650,000.00
LIHTC and Solar Investment Tax Credits $27,559,227.00
Insurance Proceeds $386,000.00
FEMA (HMGP & Public Assistance) $49,122,643.00
Other $17,869,342.00
$212,783,803
The Public and Affordable Development Program has been allocated funds to address unmet needs throughout the USVI in relation to damages from Hurricane Irma and Maria. This program will incentivize the replacement of affordable housing damaged in the storms. This program seeks to redevelop and create new affordable rental housing stock including subsidized and mixed-income rental units and other public housing units, that will be developed.
New Housing Infrastructure and Construction Program (NHIC)
$69,293,031
Under this program, VIHFA will administer CDBG-DR funding to support first-time homebuyers with the purchase of a home. Assistance will be limited to the amount necessary to achieve homeownership. CDBG-DR funds will be utilized to install infrastructure (roads, lighting, etc.), grading, installation of utilities, land preparation, and the construction of homes in mixed-income communities in the Territory. The new homes will be developed based on two (2) program options: (1) turnkey developments on land owned by VIHFA or (2) on land owned by the potential homeowner. To be qualified, applicants must be mortgage-ready and have incomes at or below 80% AMI. Second mortgages in the form of forgivable loans for first-time homebuyers at or below 120% AMI may also be available under the turnkey option. Homebuyers’ assistance for a down payment and closing cost will be based on VIHFA’s underwriting standards. The awards for homebuyer assistance will not exceed the total of the down payment and closing cost necessary to make the home affordable, based on VIHFA’s underwriting standards.
Option 1: Turnkey Development
Under the Turnkey Development option, VIHFA will serve as the developer and oversee the construction to build homes and install infrastructure utilizing CDBG-DR funding. This option will be available to eligible residents who have been pre-qualified for VIHFA’s homebuyer program. If supplementary funding becomes available, additional developers may participate in this option. To participate in any program offered by the VIHFA, a developer must be properly organized, validly existing, qualified, and licensed to conduct business under the laws of the Virgin Islands. The developer must maintain a good standing with the Government of the Virgin Islands and possess the authority, whether corporate or otherwise, to own properties and engage in business activities. Developers must demonstrate specific, measurable housing construction experience, expertise, and sufficient staff capacity to undertake the proposed development. Developers lacking adequate experience, expertise, or staff are encouraged to enhance their credentials by partnering with a developer or development consultant possessing a proven record of success, requisite resources, and who actively participates in such a joint effort.
Option 2: Build a Lot, Own a Home
This option provides CDBG-DR funding to help first-time homebuyers to build a single-family home on their existing property. Qualified applicants may receive a grant for construction costs, including eligible prepaid and/or closing costs. The assistance amount will cover only what is necessary to achieve homeownership. The grant will be secured by a lien on the property through the Deed of Mortgage and Restrictive Covenants for a 20-year affordability period. Applicants must have been residents of the Territory at the time of the disaster, as evidenced by their 2018 Income Tax Return or a lease/utility bill, and show they are mortgage-ready with incomes below 80% AMI.
PAHD and NHIC questions/concerns: contact Lisa Richards lrichards@usvipfa.com
Homeowner Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Program (HRRP)
$195,046,728
Max Award: See Program Policy
HRRP serves owner occupied homes substantially damaged by Hurricane Irma / Hurricane Maria. Homeowners who are eligible will be assisted in reconstructing or rehabilitating their home to make it habitable and compliant with flood plain, environmental, and other local requirements.
Rental Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program (RRRP)
