Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications

The Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications has scheduled a meeting on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to receive testimony on the following.

BLOCK I

Overview and discussion on the Virgin Islands Housing Authority’s operational, fiscal, and human resources status, as well as the outlook for affordable housing supply and demand. Updates will cover the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Emergency Housing Vouchers, public housing, renovations, senior housing, and resident empowerment programs.

Invited Testifier:
Dwayne Alexander, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Housing Authority

LUNCH BLOCK II
Discussion on the current status of homeownership programs across the territory and the outlook for affordable housing and homeownership. The progress of home repair programs, the status of emergency housing initiatives managed by the Authority, and the status of programs aimed at addressing housing instability. Testimony from non-profits entities will address housing instability, the health of organizations supporting affected individuals, collaboration with government agencies, and suggestions for improvement. The session will also include a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis of the housing landscape and efforts to provide solutions.

Invited Testifiers:
Eugene Jones, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Andrea Shillingford, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands Dan Derima, Executive Director, Meeting the Needs of The Community, Inc.
Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras, Board Secretary, VI Continuum of Care