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Gubernatorial
Proclamation - Housing Month
Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed June 2010 as “Housing Month” in the Territory. During this month, we recognize the importance of safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing to the Virgin Islands and its citizens.
The ability to own a home or rent affordably is an important component of improving the overall quality of life in the Virgin Islands. A healthy housing industry provides families with affordable housing opportunities, and chances to build equity. Ultimately, it leads to more revenue from taxes, creates jobs, stimulates further growth and development, and is a vital aspect of the economic development of the Territory.
The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority provide eligible applicants with diverse housing opportunities through varied programs. The Housing Finance Authority was created for the express purpose of operating the Affordable Housing Program, which serves low to moderate-income families. It commenced operations in 1984 and took over the housing functions of the former Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation in 2007.
The Housing Finance Authority recognizes it is in the public interest to encourage homeownership. For its 26 years, the Authority has assisted Virgin Islanders in achieving their dreams by enabling low interest mortgage loans, major rehabilitation and revitalization projects, and increased housing availability.
New affordable housing opportunities will continue to be created through partnerships between Federal and local housing entities, financial institutions and developers.
Also during June, the Housing Finance Authority celebrates NeighborWorks Week, an opportunity for local NeighborWorks organizations to work closely with volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors, friends, and elected and civic leaders to rehabilitate and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours, recognize successful partnerships, host events that educate, train, inform and promote neighborhood awareness and change in the community.
A June 8 program was held on St. Croix to educate managers and human resources personnel from private businesses about Employer Assisted Programs and their benefits. A companion program was held June 9 on St. Thomas.
The Housing Finance Authority will help match homebuyers with new units of the Calabash Boom subdivision on St. John on June 10. The Calabash Boom project is culminating after 16 years of protracted work, and HFA staff will set up displays sharing information about the housing units in Red Hook and Cruz Bay.
On June 11, the American Legion will beautify the area outside its new permanent headquarters in Frederiksted. The American Legion Bromley, Post 133, received a grant in 2005 to provide a permanent home to veterans in the town. The new building, already completed, has contributed to the revitalization of Frederiksted around Prince Street.
Housing Finance Authority staff, along with the Hermon Hill Borrowers, will come together to Dig-In, Mingle, & Cultivate to Blossom on June 12. Hermon Hill Subdivision landowners will meet their neighbors, and will beautify the area in recognition of Housing Month.
Governor de Jongh urges Virgin Islanders to attend NeighborWorks events and to join him in celebrating Housing Month by supporting the Territory’s and Federal housing agencies and their efforts to provide high quality affordable housing to the people of the Territory.
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