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Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Phone: (340) 725-4924 ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov For Immediate Release: September 23, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED: VIDHS TO PRESENT FY 2026 SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT INTENDED USE PLAN U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) reminds the community that it will hold a Public Hearing on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom to present the FY 2026 Intended Use Plan for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). The SSBG is a flexible federal funding source that allows states and territories to design social service programming tailored to the unique needs of their residents. This funding supports programs vital to protecting vulnerable populations and improving the well-being of individuals and families across the U.S. Virgin Islands. For FY 2026, VIDHS will continue aligning its SSBG-funded programs with the five federal statutory goals: I. Achieving or maintaining economic self-support – through programs such as Employment Services and expanded Independent & Transitional Living Services that assist youth and adults moving toward independence. II. Achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency – with services like Information & Referral and Education & Training that reduce dependency and connect families with resources. III. Preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation – including Protective Services for Adults and Children, Foster Care for children, and this year’s expanded Legal Services, which help families address civil matters such as guardianship and housing. IV. Preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care – with enhanced support for Congregate Meals and Home-Delivered Meals, alongside Home-Based Services, to allow seniors and persons with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities. V. Securing referrals or admission to institutional care when necessary – through Case Management and related supports to ensure those in need receive appropriate levels of care. Commissioner Averil George invites members of the public to attend and provide input on the FY 2026 plan. To review the FY 2026 SSBG Intended Use Plan, please visit our website: https://dhs.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SSBG-FY-2026-Intended-Use-Plan.pdf • Date & Time: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. • Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89032493256?pwd=352267 • Meeting ID: 891 3698 2151 • Passcode: 266617 P R E S S R E L E A S E 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 (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs). 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. ###End###