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UNITED
STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE |
June
14, 2011 |
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Gubernatorial
Proclamation - Housing Month
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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed June 2011 as “Housing Month” in the Virgin Islands to emphasize the importance of affordable home ownership in the Territory.
The ability to own a home or rent affordably is an important quality of life issue for all Virgin Islands residents. Home ownership provides families with the opportunity to build equity, and likewise strengthens the tax base, 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 began operating in 1984 with a mission to provide safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing for low-and moderate-income residents of the Territory. The Authority’s new slogan, “Unlocking the Door to Affordable Housing,” exemplifies its continued goal of increasing the availability of affordable housing throughout the Territory.
Through the assistance of the VIHFA, many Virgin Islanders have achieved their dream of home ownership through low-interest mortgage loans. Additionally, the VIHFA also assists families with major rehabilitation and other revitalization home projects, and has dramatically increased the availability of affordable housing through joint efforts of the government and private industry.
It is in the public interest and essential to public health and welfare to continue to encourage home ownership and provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income Virgin Islanders.
In recognition of this designated month, several activities are planned, including housing expos on St. Thomas and St. Croix. During these events, public and private entities will present exhibits and workshops promoting home ownership, home maintenance and energy efficiency.
Governor de Jongh urges Virgin Islanders to join him in supporting local and federal agencies that work to provide quality affordable housing for all the Territory’s residents and encourages all residents to participate in activities scheduled for Housing Month.
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A
PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR
OF THE
UNITED STATES VIRGIN
ISLANDS
TO PROCLAIM HOUSING MONTH
IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN
ISLANDS |
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WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or family status; and
WHEREAS, our Nation has changed drastically since the Fair Housing Act became law, including our population diversity; and
WHEREAS, safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing is important to the people of the Virgin Islands; and
WHEREAS, the ability to own a home or secure an affordable rental unit is important to improving the overall quality of life in the Territory; and
WHEREAS, a healthy housing industry provides families with affordable housing opportunities, the chance to build equity, strengthens the tax base, creates jobs, opens the doors for further growth and development, and is important to the economic development in the Territory; and
WHEREAS, our local housing agencies have been diligently assisting Virgin Islanders in achieving the housing dream through low interest mortgage loans, and major rehabilitation and revi talization projects, thereby increasing the availability of housing in the Territory; and
WHEREAS continued partnerships between our housing entities, financial institutions, and housing developers will ensure the creation of new affordable housing opportunities for residents in the Territory;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John P.
de Jonqh, Jr., Governor of the
United States Virgin Is1ands, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby
proclaim the month of June 2011 as "Housing
Month" in the United States Virgin Islands." I urge all residents to join with me in supporting our housing agencies and their efforts to provide safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing for the
people of the Territory.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause
the Seal. of the Government of the Virgin Islands
of the United States to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands, this 13th day of June, A.D., 2011.
John P.
de Jongh, Jr.
Governor
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