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GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent, Director, Office of Communications Phone: (340) 725-4924 ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: July 19, 2022 VI Department of Human Services, Division of Family Assistance Announces the Closing Date for Submission of Applications for the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds (PHASE 2) U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Department of Human Services, Division of Family Assistance announces that Friday, July 22nd, 2022, will be the last day to submit applications for the first run of Pandemic Emergency (PEAF) PHASE 2. This past April, the department announced that funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), would be issued to USVI recipients during July thru September 30, 2022, however due to the overwhelming response that the Division of Family Assistance has received since the initial launch, the decision has been made to close the first run of the PEAF Phase 2 launch. Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez stated that, “We know families across the Territory are still facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our team has worked tirelessly to provide continued economic, nutrition and medical assistance to Virgin Islands residents through waivers and flexibilities. This one-time PEAF allotment to supplement household income for families is important and crucial. We are requesting applicants to please be patient with our DHS team as we are reviewing each individual application and notifications will go out once the review is completed.”. The internal DHS review team is in receipt of 4,509 applications territorially. (3,142 applications for ST.THOMAS/ST.JOHN and 1,367 applications for ST. CROIX.) The applications are being diligently reviewed and eligibility criteria verified for each candidate. Commissioner Causey- Gomez also shared that once the PEAF2 funding is exhausted in full, a request will be made of ACF by DHS to replenish the fund and PEAF disbursement will resume. Any applications not filled before fund exhaustion on July 22nd, will not lose the chronological approved application position. PEAF2 will be issued to any eligible Virgin Island family household with a combined maximum income of $50,000 per annum. Each household must contain a minor (<18 years of age) child and all supporting documents. Benefits will be disbursed via paper checks and issued in-person to the applicant after verification of identification and signature. 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 “Working Together to Make a Difference” 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 “Working Together to Make a Difference” For any questions or clarification, please contact: Territorial PEAF2 Hotline (340) 772-7120 The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usvidhs for more information. The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov. ###