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Governor Bryan Announces Reopening of VI Slice Moderate-Income Homeownership Program with Additional $2 Million Commitment - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces Reopening of VI Slice Moderate-Income Homeownership Program with Additional $2 Million Commitment - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces Reopening of VI Slice Moderate-Income Homeownership Program with Additional $2 Million Commitment Search Latest Comments No comments to show. January 7 Program portal reopens as administration expands support for working Virgin Islands families pursuing first-time homeownership U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—   Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced today that the VI Slice Moderate-Income Homeownership Program has reopened to new applicants after the Governor recommitted an additional $2 million to sustain and expand the program’s impact for eligible first-time homebuyers. Administered by the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) in partnership with the Office of the Governor and the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), the VI Slice program was created to help moderate-income Virgin Islanders access critical financial assistance to purchase, renovate or build a home. The Governor said the program’s portal was temporarily closed late last year after the initial funding set aside for grants was fully utilized due to strong demand and proven results. With the added $2 million now committed, the application portal has been reopened to help more families take their next step toward homeownership and long-term financial security. “VI Slice exists for the people who keep this Territory running,” Governor Bryan said. “Our nurses, teachers, law enforcement officers, skilled tradesmen, and working families who may earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance, but still find that the cost of a home is just out of reach. This program closes that gap. It turns years of hard work into a set of keys, a front door, and a future right here at home. Reopening VI Slice is about keeping Virgin Islands professionals in the Virgin Islands, strengthening our families, and building generational wealth that stays in our community.” First announced by Governor Bryan in October 2022 and launched for applications in January 2023, VI Slice has become one of the Territory’s most impactful homeownership initiatives for moderate-income residents. Since its inception, the program has assisted more than 68 Virgin Islands families with the purchase of their first home, providing grants of up to $200,000 to help bridge financing gaps and support home purchase, rehabilitation, and construction. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered locally by VIEDA, the program provides secondary gap financing, helping close the shortfall between what a primary lender can approve and what a first-time buyer needs to complete a home purchase. The program’s grant period ends Dec. 31, 2026. “Demand has been strong because the need is real, and the outcomes speak for themselves,” said VIEDA Chief Executive Officer Wayne L. Biggs Jr. “VI Slice is helping moderate-income residents move from renting to owning, and that creates stability for families and long-term strength for our economy. We are grateful to Governor Bryan for recommitting resources to keep this program moving forward, and we sincerely thank the lending institutions that continue to partner with us to make homeownership possible for more Virgin Islanders.” Upon referral by participating mortgage lenders, VI Slice may provide support for eligible first-time homebuyers, including: Home purchase with rehabilitation:  Up to $200,000 Home construction:  Up to $200,000 Down payment and closing cost assistance:  Up to $100,000 Applicants may combine eligible activities up to a maximum aggregate award of  $200,000 . Participating lenders include Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Virgin Bay Mortgage USVI, Capital Mortgage Services of Texas, FirstBank, Merchants Commercial Bank, Oriental Bank, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD). Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Merchants Commercial Bank, and USDA-RD offer construction loans under the program. Eligible residents are encouraged to work with a participating lender to determine mortgage readiness and begin the referral process. To learn more about the VI Slice Moderate-Income Homeownership Program visit  www.vislice.com  or contact the VIEDA Economic Development Authority at 340-773-6499 in St. Croix and 340-714-1700 in the St. Thomas/ St. John District. ### TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.