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2024 CoC Consolidated Application 1A. Continuum of Care (CoC) Identification HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 1A-1. CoC Name and Number: VI-500 - Virgin Islands CoC 1A-2. Collaborative Applicant Name: Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority 1A-3. CoC Designation: CA 1A-4. HMIS Lead: Meeting the Needs of Our Community, Inc. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1B. Coordination and Engagement–Inclusive Structure and Participation HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 1B-1. Inclusive Structure and Participation–Participation in Coordinated Entry. NOFO Sections V.B.1.a.(1), V.B.1.e., V.B.1f., and V.B.1.p. In the chart below for the period from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024: 1. select yes or no in the chart below if the entity listed participates in CoC meetings, voted–including selecting CoC Board members, and participated in your CoC’s coordinated entry system; or 2. select Nonexistent if the organization does not exist in your CoC’s geographic area: Organization/Person Participated in CoC Meetings Voted, Including Electing CoC Board Members Participated in CoC's Coordinated Entry System 1. Affordable Housing Developer(s) Yes No No 2. CDBG/HOME/ESG Entitlement Jurisdiction Yes Yes No 3. Disability Advocates No No No 4. Disability Service Organizations No No No 5. EMS/Crisis Response Team(s) No No No 6. Homeless or Formerly Homeless Persons Yes Yes No 7. Hospital(s) No No No 8. Indian Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) (Tribal Organizations) Nonexistent No No 9. Law Enforcement No No No 10. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBTQ+) Advocates Yes Yes No 11. LGBTQ+ Service Organizations Nonexistent No No 12. Local Government Staff/Officials Yes Yes No 13. Local Jail(s) Yes Yes No 14. Mental Health Service Organizations Yes Yes No 15. Mental Illness Advocates Yes No No 16. Organizations led by and serving Black, Brown, Indigenous and other People of Color Yes Yes No Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 17. Organizations led by and serving LGBTQ+ persons Yes Yes No 18. Organizations led by and serving people with disabilities No No No 19. Other homeless subpopulation advocates Yes No No 20. Public Housing Authorities Yes No No 21. School Administrators/Homeless Liaisons No No No 22. Street Outreach Team(s) Yes Yes No 23. Substance Abuse Advocates Nonexistent No No 24. Substance Abuse Service Organizations Yes Yes No 25. Agencies Serving Survivors of Human Trafficking Yes Yes No 26. Victim Service Providers Yes Yes No 27. Domestic Violence Advocates Yes Yes No 28. Other Victim Service Organizations Nonexistent No No 29. State Domestic Violence Coalition Nonexistent No No 30. State Sexual Assault Coalition Nonexistent No No 31. Youth Advocates Nonexistent No No 32. Youth Homeless Organizations Nonexistent No No 33. Youth Service Providers Nonexistent No No Other: (limit 50 characters) 34. Federally Qualified Health Care Center Yes Yes No 35. Re-entry Group Yes Yes No 1B-1a. Experience Promoting Racial Equity. NOFO Section III.B.3.c. Describe in the field below your CoC’s experience in effectively addressing the needs of underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, who are substantially overrepresented in the homeless population. (limit 2,500 characters) The VICoC serves the entire Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a majority- minority jurisdiction, the Territory's population is racially and culturally diverse with the majority being persons of color. Many of the Territory's residents are of Hispanic ethnicity. The CoC's membership comprises the broad spectrum of individuals and organizations that have an interest in ending/preventing homelessness across the Territory and that membership is reasonably representative of the racial and cultural diversity of the community and of those individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness in the Territory. 1B-2. Open Invitation for New Members. NOFO Section V.B.1.a.(2) Describe in the field below how your CoC: 1. communicated a transparent invitation process annually (e.g., communicated to the public on the CoC’s website) to solicit new members to join the CoC; Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2. ensured effective communication and access for persons with disabilities, including the availability of accessible electronic formats; and 3. invited organizations serving culturally specific communities experiencing homelessness in your CoC’s geographic area to address equity (e.g., Black, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities). (limit 2,500 characters) The VICoC serves the entire Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Territory's population is diverse with the majority being persons of color. Many of the Territory's residents are of Hispanic ethnicity. The CoC's membership is reasonably representative of the cultural diversity of the community and of those individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness in the Territory. The CoC's membership also represents the broad spectrum of individuals and organizations that have an interest in ending/preventing homelessness across the Territory. During the previous year, significant strides have been made in increasing participation in the CoC with new, enthusiastic representation by the local PHA, the Division of Mental Health, and more agencies of the local government - to include the Office of the Governor noted. The CoC's primary strategy for addressing equity is by continuing to seek participation by organizations that have an interest ending/preventing homelessness or that serve as advocates for subpopulations that are disproportionately represented among the homeless to become active, participating members of the CoC. Much of the efforts to seek new members has been by word-of-mouth direct outreach and, in the CoC's assessment, this has been fairly effective given the small size of the community. Nonetheless, as part of its strategy for increasing its profile and overall efficiency, the CoC is currently in the process of developing a website. 1B-3. CoC’s Strategy to Solicit/Consider Opinions on Preventing and Ending Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.a.(3) Describe in the field below how your CoC: 1. solicited and considered opinions from a broad array of organizations and individuals that have knowledge of homelessness, or an interest in preventing and ending homelessness; 2. communicated information during public meetings or other forums your CoC uses to solicit public information; 3. ensured effective communication and access for persons with disabilities, including the availability of accessible electronic formats; and 4. took into consideration information gathered in public meetings or forums to address improvements or new approaches to preventing and ending homelessness. (limit 2,500 characters) Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 The CoC's membership represents the broad spectrum of individuals and organizations that have an interest in ending/preventing homelessness across the Territory or that serve as advocates for subpopulations disproportionately represented among the homeless. The CoC has continued to recruit additional such organizations to become active, participating members of the CoC. The CoC's general membership has been meeting monthly; the meetings provide an opportunity for open discussion of issues, challenges, and ideas for addressing homelessness. The VI CoC is also represented on the Territory's Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness (VIIACH) - which council brings together public, non-profit, and community organizations to develop strategies regarding homelessness and recommend public policy to both the executive and legislative branches of local government. Recently, the CoC was invited to provide testimony before the local legislature on the status of homelessness in the Territory. This hearing, which was publicly broadcast, provided an opportunity for the CoC to educate the community about homelessness and also to communicate information about the CoC. The VICoC's Collaborative Applicant - i.e., the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority - administers various HUD CPD programs - to include CDBG- Entitlement, and ESG- on behalf of the Territory. In that capacity, VIHFA works closely with various non-profit homeless service provider agencies across the Territory and has gained from those collaborations an understanding of the systemic issues surrounding preventing and ending homelessness, the needs of the various subpopulations, and also strategies for preventing and ending homelessness. 1B-4. Public Notification for Proposals from Organizations Not Previously Awarded CoC Program Funding. NOFO Section V.B.1.a.(4) Describe in the field below how your CoC notified the public: 1. that your CoC will consider project applications from organizations that have not previously received CoC Program funding; 2. about how project applicants must submit their project applications–the process; 3. about how your CoC would determine which project applications it would submit to HUD for funding; and 4. ensured effective communication and access for persons with disabilities, including the availability of accessible electronic formats. (limit 2,500 characters) For the past several funding cycles, and once again this year, the VICoC has been restricted to renewal applications. VICoC has not utilized reallocation as a strategy; as such, it has not solicited applications from organizations that have not previously received CoC funding. The CoC looks forward to earning the opportunity to submit applications for new projects in subsequent funding cycles. The CoC's will publish notices in the local media of general circulation (both print and electronic) soliciting project proposals and providing the website address where more detailed information outlining the application process and the scoring criteria that will be used to determine which applications will be recommended for funding will be available. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C. Coordination and Engagement HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 1C-1. Coordination with Federal, State, Local, Private, and Other Organizations. NOFO Section V.B.1.b. In the chart below: 1. select yes or no for entities listed that are included in your CoC’s coordination, planning, and operations of projects that serve individuals, families, unaccompanied youth, persons who are fleeing domestic violence who are experiencing homelessness, or those at risk of homelessness; or 2. select Nonexistent if the organization does not exist within your CoC’s geographic area. Entities or Organizations Your CoC Coordinates with for Planning or Operations of Projects Coordinates with the Planning or Operations of Projects? 1. Funding Collaboratives Nonexistent 2. Head Start Program No 3. Housing and services programs funded through Local Government Yes 4. Housing and services programs funded through other Federal Resources (non-CoC) Yes 5. Housing and services programs funded through private entities, including Foundations No 6. Housing and services programs funded through State Government Nonexistent 7. Housing and services programs funded through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) No 8. Housing and services programs funded through U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) No 9. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) No 10. Indian Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) (Tribal Organizations) Nonexistent 11. Organizations led by and serving Black, Brown, Indigenous and other People of Color Yes 12. Organizations led by and serving LGBTQ+ persons No 13. Organizations led by and serving people with disabilities No 14. Private Foundations No 15. Public Housing Authorities Yes 16. Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Nonexistent 17. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) No Other:(limit 50 characters) 18. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-2. CoC Consultation with ESG Program Recipients. NOFO Section V.B.1.b. In the chart below select yes or no to indicate whether your CoC: 1. Consulted with ESG Program recipients in planning and allocating ESG Program funds? No 2. Provided Point-in-Time (PIT) count and Housing Inventory Count (HIC) data to the Consolidated Plan jurisdictions within its geographic area? Yes 3. Ensured local homelessness information is communicated and addressed in the Consolidated Plan updates? Yes 4. Coordinated with ESG recipients in evaluating and reporting performance of ESG Program recipients and subrecipients? No 1C-3. Ensuring Families are not Separated. NOFO Section V.B.1.c. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate how your CoC ensures emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing (PSH and RRH) do not deny admission or separate family members regardless of each family member’s self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity: 1. Conducted mandatory training for all CoC- and ESG-funded service providers to ensure families are not separated? No 2. Conducted optional training for all CoC- and ESG-funded service providers to ensure family members are not separated? No 3. Worked with CoC and ESG recipient(s) to adopt uniform anti-discrimination policies for all subrecipients? No 4. Worked with ESG recipient(s) to identify both CoC- and ESG-funded facilities within your CoC’s geographic area that might be out of compliance and took steps to work directly with those facilities to bring them into compliance? No 5. Sought assistance from HUD by submitting questions or requesting technical assistance to resolve noncompliance by service providers? No 1C-4. CoC Collaboration Related to Children and Youth–SEAs, LEAs, School Districts. NOFO Section V.B.1.d. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate the entities your CoC collaborates with: 1. Youth Education Provider No 2. State Education Agency (SEA) No 3. Local Education Agency (LEA) No 4. School Districts No 1C-4a. Formal Partnerships with Youth Education Providers, SEAs, LEAs, School Districts. NOFO Section V.B.1.d. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Describe in the field below the formal partnerships your CoC has with at least one of the entities where you responded yes in question 1C-4. (limit 2,500 characters) The VICoC has not collaborated with any education entities within the jurisdiction. (In the Territory, there are no independent school districts - the only governmental education agency is the VI Department of Education). According the data reported by the annual homeless counts over the past years, the number of homeless families with school-aged children/youth is virtually non- existent). 1C-4b. Informing Individuals and Families Who Have Recently Begun Experiencing Homelessness about Eligibility for Educational Services. NOFO Section V.B.1.d. Describe in the field below written policies and procedures your CoC uses to inform individuals and families who have recently begun experiencing homelessness of their eligibility for educational services. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC has not formally adopted written policies and procedures around informing individuals and families who become homeless of their eligibility for educational services. Individuals and families who are homeless, or at -risk of becoming homeless, typically are also receiving case management from mainstream services and other entities outside the CoC - such as the Division of Children, Youth, and Families within the local Department of Human Services. Enrollment of minor children in appropriate education services available through the Deparment of Education is typically among the linkages to care arranged by case management providers. 1C-4c. Written/Formal Agreements or Partnerships with Early Childhood Services Providers. NOFO Section V.B.1.d. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate whether your CoC has written formal agreements or partnerships with the listed providers of early childhood services: MOU/MOA Other Formal Agreement 1. Birth to 3 years No No 2. Child Care and Development Fund No No 3. Early Childhood Providers No No 4. Early Head Start No No 5. Federal Home Visiting Program–(including Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home and Visiting or MIECHV) No No 6. Head Start No No 7. Healthy Start No No 8. Public Pre-K No No 9. Tribal Home Visiting Program No No Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Other (limit 150 characters) 10. 1C-5. Addressing Needs of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking–Collaboration with Federally Funded Programs and Victim Service Providers. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. In the chart below select yes or no for the organizations your CoC collaborates with: Organizations 1. State Domestic Violence Coalitions No 2. State Sexual Assault Coalitions No 3. Anti-trafficking Service Providers Yes Other Organizations that Help this Population (limit 500 characters) 4. Victim Service Provider Yes 1C-5a. Collaborating with Federally Funded Programs and Victim Service Providers to Address Needs of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. Describe in the field below how your CoC regularly collaborates with organizations that you selected yes to in Question 1C-5 to: 1. update CoC-wide policies; and 2. ensure all housing and services provided in the CoC’s geographic area are trauma-informed and can meet the needs of survivors. (limit 2,500 characters) There are two local non-profits in the Territory that are victim service providers. Both of these agencies service survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. The organizations are members of the CoC and participates in meetings, elections, and policy discussions. A representative of one of the victim service provider agencies is a member of the CES subcommittee. These various involvements help ensure that the perspective of trauma-informed care is considered in CoC-wide policies. One of the mentioned victim service provider agencies provides training to first- responder agencies, social service agencies, and others - to include many of the CoC member agencies and ESG-funded agencies upon request at no cost. These trainings focus on trauma-informed, victim-centered care - to include referrals to VSP agencies with the client's consent. As part of the operationalization of the formal Territorial Coordinated Entry System, the CoC will enter into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with a victim service provider agency in each district to provide training on best practices regarding trauma-income care in serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-5b. Implemented Safety Planning, Confidentiality Protocols in Your CoC’s Coordinated Entry to Address the Needs of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. Describe in the field below how your CoC’s coordinated entry addresses the needs of DV survivors by including: 1. safety planning protocols; and 2. confidentiality protocols. (limit 2,500 characters) One of the mentioned victim service provider agencies provides training to first- responder agencies, social service agencies, and others - to include many of the CoC member agencies and ESG-funded agencies upon request at no cost. Through these services, staff at many social agencies have been trained on trauma-informed, victim-centered care - to include referrals to VSP agencies with the client's consent. The CoC recognizes that the VSP agencies are the subject-matter experts in this area and thus, as part of the operationalization of the formal Territorial Coordinated Entry System, the CC will enter into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with a victim service provider agency in each district to provide training on best practices regarding trauma-income care in serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. 1C-5c. Coordinated Annual Training on Best Practices to Address the Needs of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Survivors. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. In the chart below, indicate how your CoC facilitates training for project staff and coordinated entry staff that addresses best practices on safety planning and confidentiality protocols: Project Staff Coordinated Entry Staff 1. Training Occurs at least annually? No No 2. Incorporates Trauma Informed best practices? No No 3. Incorporates Survivor-Centered best practices? No No 4. Identifies and assesses survivors’ individual safety needs? No No 5. Enhances and supports collaboration with DV organizations? No No 6. Ensures survivors’ rights, voices, and perspectives are incorporated? No No Other? (limit 500 characters) 7. &nbsp Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-5d. Implemented VAWA-Required Written Emergency Transfer Plan Policies and Procedures for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. Describe in the field below: 1. whether your CoC’s written policies and procedures include an emergency transfer plan; 2. how your CoC informs all households seeking or receiving CoC Program assistance about their rights to an emergency transfer; 3. what your CoC requires households to do to request emergency transfers; and 4. what your CoC does in response to households requesting emergency transfers. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC is currently working to updated both CoC and ESG policies to include the emergency transfer plan policies and procedures. A key objective will be to ensure that the process for requesting an emergency transfer is clear, simple, and consistent with best practices (trauma-informed, victim-centered care) for safety protocols for victims (survivors) of domestic violence. 1C-5e. Facilitating Safe Access to Housing and Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. Describe in the field below how your CoC ensures households experiencing trauma or a lack of safety related to fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking have safe access to all of the housing and services available within your CoC’s geographic area. (limit 2,500 characters) In designing the Territory's Coordinated Entry System, victim service provider agencies have been designated as CES access points; however, DV clients may access the system from any access point. The CoC protocol includes a separate, confidential provcess for individuals/families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking and self-identified survivors who are seeking shelter or services through non- VSP agencies. This process will provide for the highest level of confidentiality and safety of DV clients while ensuring that they receive identical opportunities for accessing housing and services as non-victim clients. The CoC's protocol includes a provision that prohibits denial/restriction of access to the Coordinated Entry process by virtue of being a DV client. 1C-5f. Identifying and Removing Barriers for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. NOFO Section V.B.1.e. Describe in the field below how your CoC ensures survivors receive safe housing and services by: 1. identifying barriers specific to survivors; and 2. working to remove those barriers. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) Survivors in the Territory generally receive services from one of the victim service provider agencies operating in the Territory. Once a client identifies as a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking, all CoC and ESG-funded agencies are very intentional about referring the client to the VSPs with the client's consent. The VSP agencies are very familiar with the barriers specific to survivors and are skilled in providing trauma-informed services and helping address those barriers. Both VSP providers actually have acquired a few units of transitional housing within facilities that the agencies own and operate; this helps ensure that survivors have access to housing that meets the safety needs of the clients. 1C-6. Addressing the Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+–Anti-Discrimination Policy and Equal Access Trainings. NOFO Section V.B.1.f. 1. Did your CoC implement a written CoC-wide anti-discrimination policy ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals and families receive supportive services, shelter, and housing free from discrimination? No 2. Did your CoC conduct annual CoC-wide training with providers on how to effectively implement the Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity (Equal Access Final Rule)? No 3. Did your CoC conduct annual CoC-wide training with providers on how to effectively implement Equal Access in Accordance With an Individual's Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs (Gender Identity Final Rule)? No 1C-6a. Anti-Discrimination Policy–Updating Policies–Assisting Providers–Evaluating Compliance–Addressing Noncompliance. NOFO Section V.B.1.f. Describe in the field below: 1. how your CoC regularly collaborates with LGBTQ+ and other organizations to update its CoC- wide anti-discrimination policy, as necessary to ensure all housing and services provided in the CoC are trauma-informed and able to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families; 2. how your CoC assisted housing and services providers in developing project-level anti- discrimination policies that are consistent with the CoC-wide anti-discrimination policy; 3. your CoC’s process for evaluating compliance with your CoC’s anti-discrimination policies; and 4. your CoC’s process for addressing noncompliance with your CoC’s anti-discrimination policies. (limit 2,500 characters) The VICoC's Governance Charter includes general anti-discrimination language; however, VICoC has not formally updated a separate, system-wide anti-discrimination policy relative to LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The CoC is aware that several CoC member agencies have proactively adopted such policies on both a project- and agency-wide level ahead of formal action by the CoC. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-7. Public Housing Agencies within Your CoC’s Geographic Area–New Admissions–General/Limited Preference–Moving On Strategy. NOFO Section V.B.1.g. You must upload the PHA Homeless Preference\PHA Moving On Preference attachment(s) to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Enter information in the chart below for the two largest PHAs highlighted in gray on the current CoC-PHA Crosswalk Report or the two PHAs your CoC has a working relationship with–if there is only one PHA in your CoC’s geographic area, provide information on the one: Public Housing Agency Name Enter the Percent of New Admissions into Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher Program During FY 2023 who were experiencing homelessness at entry Does the PHA have a General or Limited Homeless Preference? Does the PHA have a Preference for current PSH program participants no longer needing intensive supportive services, e.g., Moving On? Virgin Islands Housing Authority 2% Yes-Public Housing No 1C-7a. Written Policies on Homeless Admission Preferences with PHAs. NOFO Section V.B.1.g. Describe in the field below: 1. steps your CoC has taken, with the two largest PHAs within your CoC’s geographic area or the two PHAs your CoC has working relationships with, to adopt a homeless admission preference–if your CoC only has one PHA within its geographic area, you may respond for the one; or 2. state that your CoC has not worked with the PHAs in its geographic area to adopt a homeless admission preference. (limit 2,500 characters) There is only one public housing agency (PHA) within the CoC's geographic area. VI Housing Authority (VIHA), the local PHA, has a limited homeless preference in its written admission policy for public housing ; however, there is no preference for the regular Housing Choice Voucher program. The CoC has long advocated for the adoption of a general homeless admission preference for the HCV program. During the period, the CoC also formally corresponded with the PHA urging the implementation of policy changes recommended by HUD to reduce barriers for persons with criminal records. VIHA's housing stock in the St. Thomas/St.John district sustained major damages during the devastation of the 2017 hurricanes; to date, the housing stock has not been restored. Due to the shortage of units, VIHA ability to admit new residents has been limited. The CoC recognizes that a key concern for VIHA relative to the adoption of a general homeless preference is that many of the Territory's chronic homeless persons have co-occurring mental illness and, without the guarantee of critical wrap-around services, the PHA is proceeding cautiously with a general homeless preference. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-7b. Moving On Strategy with Affordable Housing Providers. Not Scored–For Information Only Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate affordable housing providers in your CoC’s jurisdiction that your recipients use to move program participants to other subsidized housing: 1. Multifamily assisted housing owners No 2. PHA Yes 3. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments No 4. Local low-income housing programs No Other (limit 150 characters) 5. 1C-7c. Include Units from PHA Administered Programs in Your CoC’s Coordinated Entry. NOFO Section V.B.1.g. In the chart below, indicate if your CoC includes units from the following PHA programs in your CoC’s coordinated entry process: 1. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) No 2. Family Unification Program (FUP) No 3. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Yes 4. HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) No 5. Mainstream Vouchers No 6. Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers No 7. Public Housing Yes 8. Other Units from PHAs: 1C-7d. Submitting CoC and PHA Joint Applications for Funding for People Experiencing Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.g. 1. Did your CoC coordinate with a PHA(s) to submit a competitive joint application(s) for funding or jointly implement a competitive project serving individuals or families experiencing homelessness (e.g., applications for mainstream vouchers, Family Unification Program (FUP), other programs)? No Program Funding Source 2. Enter the type of competitive project your CoC coordinated with a PHA(s) to submit a joint application for or jointly implement. N/A Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1C-7e. Coordinating with PHA(s) to Apply for or Implement HCV Dedicated to Homelessness Including Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV). NOFO Section V.B.1.g. Did your CoC coordinate with any PHA to apply for or implement funding provided for Housing Choice Vouchers dedicated to homelessness, including vouchers provided through the American Rescue Plan? Yes Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1D. Coordination and Engagement Cont’d HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 1D-1. Preventing People Transitioning from Public Systems from Experiencing Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.h. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate whether your CoC actively coordinates with the public systems listed to ensure persons who have resided in them longer than 90 days are not discharged directly to the streets, emergency shelters, or other homeless assistance programs. 1. Prisons/Jails? Yes 2. Health Care Facilities? No 3. Residential Care Facilities? No 4. Foster Care? No 1D-2. Housing First–Lowering Barriers to Entry. NOFO Section V.B.1.i. 1. Enter the total number of new and renewal CoC Program-funded PSH, RRH, SSO non-coordinated entry, Safe Haven, and Transitional Housing projects your CoC is applying for in FY 2024 CoC Program Competition. 2 2. Enter the total number of new and renewal CoC Program-funded PSH, RRH, SSO non-coordinated entry, Safe Haven, and Transitional Housing projects your CoC is applying for in FY 2024 CoC Program Competition that have adopted the Housing First approach. 2 3. This number is a calculation of the percentage of new and renewal PSH, RRH, SSO non- Coordinated Entry, Safe Haven, and Transitional Housing projects the CoC has ranked in its CoC Priority Listing in the FY 2024 CoC Program Competition that reported that they are lowering barriers to entry and prioritizing rapid placement and stabilization to permanent housing. 100% 1D-2a. Project Evaluation for Housing First Compliance. NOFO Section V.B.1.i. You must upload the Housing First Evaluation attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Describe in the field below: Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1. how your CoC evaluates every project–where the applicant checks Housing First on their project application–to determine if they are using a Housing First approach; 2. the list of factors and performance indicators your CoC uses during its evaluation; 3. how your CoC regularly evaluates projects outside of your local CoC competition to ensure the projects are using a Housing First approach; and 4. what your CoC has done to improve fidelity to Housing First. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC utilizes an evaluation tool based which is based on the USICH checklist as part of the project application review process. Factors considered in this evaluation include whether applicants are allowed to enter the program with little or now income, whether applicants are allowed to enter the program even if they are not clean and sober or in compliance with a "treatment plan/protocol", whether service and treatment plans are voluntary. To improve commitment to Housing First, during the period, the CoC provided training for the membership which included an explanation of the Housing First concept, the negative ramifications of high barriers on prolonging or increasing the risk of homelessness,and the importance of lowering barriers. 1D-3. Street Outreach–Data–Reaching People Least Likely to Request Assistance. NOFO Section V.B.1.j. Describe in the field below how your CoC tailored its street outreach to people experiencing homelessness who are least likely to request assistance. (limit 2,500 characters) No CoC-funded street outreach projects; however, several service providers who are CoC member organizations carry out street outreach programs. Thus far, the key to reaching persons who are least likely to request assistance has been to know locations where persons live in the rough out of site and also to ensure that street outreach team members include bilingual persons. 1D-4. Strategies to Prevent Criminalization of Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.k. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate your CoC’s strategies to prevent the criminalization of homelessness in your CoC’s geographic area: Your CoC’s Strategies Engaged/Educated Legislators and Policymakers Implemented Laws/Policies/Practices that Prevent Criminalization of Homelessness 1. Increase utilization of co-responder responses or social services-led responses over law enforcement responses to people experiencing homelessness? No No 2. Minimize use of law enforcement to enforce bans on public sleeping, public camping, or carrying out basic life functions in public places? No No Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 3. Avoid imposing criminal sanctions, including fines, fees, and incarceration for public sleeping, public camping, and carrying out basic life functions in public places? No No 4. Other:(limit 500 characters) 1D-5. Rapid Rehousing–RRH Beds as Reported in the Housing Inventory Count (HIC) or Longitudinal Data from HMIS. NOFO Section V.B.1.l. HIC Longitudinal HMIS Data 2023 2024 Enter the total number of RRH beds available to serve all populations as reported in the HIC or the number of households served per longitudinal HMIS data, e.g., APR. HIC 0 0 1D-6. Mainstream Benefits–CoC Annual Training of Project Staff. NOFO Section V.B.1.m. Indicate in the chart below whether your CoC trains program staff annually on the following mainstream benefits available for program participants within your CoC's geographic area: Mainstream Benefits CoC Provides Annual Training? 1. Food Stamps No 2. SSI–Supplemental Security Income No 3. SSDI–Social Security Disability Insurance No 4. TANF–Temporary Assistance for Needy Families No 5. Substance Use Disorder Programs No 6. Employment Assistance Programs No 7. Other (limit 150 characters) 1D-6a. Information and Training on Mainstream Benefits and Other Assistance. NOFO Section V.B.1.m Describe in the field below how your CoC: 1. works with projects to collaborate with healthcare organizations, including those that provide substance use disorder treatment and mental health treatment, to assist program participants with receiving healthcare services, including Medicaid; and 2. promotes SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) certification of program staff. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) The primary mainstream benefit program that is available in the CoC's jurisdiction to assist participants with receiving health care services are administered by the local Department of Human Services. Linkage to DHS is a routine referral by project staff as part of case management. Two healthcare organizations are regular participants in the CoC. In the St. Croix district, Frederiksted Health Care (FHC)- the St. Croix-based Federally Qualified Health Center- is a regular participant in the CoC and provides updates during the monthly CoC general membership meetings about available services. FHC provides a range of health care services and assists clients navigate effective use of the local medical assistance program and other health care benefit programs. Similarly, The Village/VI Partners in Recovery - the primary substance use disorder treatment agency in the Territory - is also a CoC member agency. Representatives of The Village also provide regular updates during the CoC general membership meetings regarding the services that are available through their agency. Membership of these healthcare organizations ensures the free flow of information on mainstream benefits and enhances collaboration with the project provider agencies. Unfortunately, SSI/SSDI benefits are not available in the Territory of the Virgin Islands; thus, SOAR certification of program staff is not applicable. ID-7. Partnerships with Public Health Agencies–Collaborating to Respond to and Prevent the Spread of Infectious Diseases. NOFO Section V.B.1.n. Describe in the field below how your CoC effectively collaborates with state and local public health agencies to develop CoC-wide policies and procedures that: 1. respond to infectious disease outbreaks; and 2. prevent infectious disease outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC has not developed any CoC-wide policies and procedures relative to responding to infectious disease outbreaks and/or prevention of infections disease outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CoC encouraged CoC member agencies to rely on and adhere to protocols published by the local Department of Health based on CDC guidance. Individual CoC member agencies (providers) successfully implemented safety measures that were published by the local Department of Health regarding response to and prevention of infectious disease outbreaks. The CoC member agencies also coordinated with local health agencies to arrange for periodic testing of program staff and participants and also for the administration of vaccines. ID-7a. Collaboration With Public Health Agencies on Infectious Diseases. NOFO Section V.B.1.n. Describe in the field below how your CoC: 1. effectively shared information related to public health measures and homelessness; and Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2. facilitated communication between public health agencies and homeless service providers to ensure street outreach providers and shelter and housing providers are equipped to prevent or limit infectious disease outbreaks among program participants. (limit 2,500 characters) During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CoC encouraged CoC member agencies to rely on and adhere to protocols published by the local Department of Health based on CDC guidance. The CoC conducts virtual meetings and used its meetings as an opportunity to share with its membership information published by the local Department of Health related to public health measures. Especially during the active pandemic, the main focus of CoC meetings was information- sharing about COVID protocols, best practices, availability of test, supplies, and vaccines, etc. Individual CoC member agencies (providers) successfully implemented safety measures that were published by the local Department of Health regarding response to and prevention of infectious disease outbreaks. The CoC member agencies also coordinated with local health agencies to arrange for periodic testing of program staff and participants and also for the administration of vaccines. These efforts were deemed successful as there was no incidence of widespread disease outbreak among program participants during the pandemic. 1D-8. Coordinated Entry Standard Processes. NOFO Section V.B.1.o. Describe in the field below how your CoC’s coordinated entry system: 1. can serve everybody regardless of where they are located within your CoC’s geographic area; 2. uses a standardized assessment process to achieve fair, equitable, and equal access to housing and services within your CoC; 3. collects personal information in a trauma-informed way; and 4. is updated at least annually using feedback received from participating projects and households that participated in coordinated entry. (limit 2,500 characters) 1D-8a. Coordinated Entry–Program Participant-Centered Approach. NOFO Section V.B.1.o. Describe in the field below how your CoC’s coordinated entry system: 1. reaches people who are least likely to apply for homeless assistance in the absence of special outreach; 2. prioritizes people most in need of assistance; 3. ensures people most in need of assistance receive permanent housing in a timely manner, consistent with their needs and preferences; and 4. takes steps to reduce burdens on people seeking assistance. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) 1D-8b. Coordinated Entry–Informing Program Participants about Their Rights and Remedies–Reporting Violations. NOFO Section V.B.1.o. Describe in the field below how your CoC through its coordinated entry: 1. affirmatively markets housing and services provided within the CoC’s geographic area and ensures it reaches all persons experiencing homelessness; 2. informs program participants of their rights and remedies available under federal, state, and local fair housing and civil rights laws; and 3. reports any conditions or actions that impede fair housing choice for current or prospective program participants to the jurisdiction(s) responsible for certifying consistency with the Consolidated Plan. (limit 2,500 characters) 1D-9. Advancing Racial Equity in Homelessness–Conducting Assessment. NOFO Section V.B.1.p. 1. Has your CoC conducted a racial disparities assessment in the last 3 years? No 2. Enter the date your CoC conducted its latest assessment for racial disparities. 1D-9a. Using Data to Determine if Racial Disparities Exist in Your CoC’s Provision or Outcomes of CoC Program-Funded Homeless Assistance. NOFO Section V.B.1.p. Describe in the field below: 1. the data your CoC used to analyze whether any racial disparities are present in your CoC’s provision or outcomes of CoC Program-funded homeless assistance; and 2. how your CoC analyzed the data to determine whether any racial disparities are present in your CoC’s provision or outcomes of CoC Program-funded homeless assistance. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC has not conducted a racial disparities assessment to date. Although the Territory is a majority-minority community, the Territory's population is culturally diverse. The homeless population as well as the service provider agencies' staff reflect that diversity. All CoC Program-funded homeless assistance programs collect demographic and other data regarding the program participants. Analysis of this data in comparison to the PIT data would provide information sufficient to determine the presence of racial disparities in the provision or outcomes of CoC-funded homeless assistance. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1D-9b. Implemented Strategies to Prevent or Eliminate Racial Disparities. NOFO Section V.B.1.p Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate the strategies your CoC is using to prevent or eliminate racial disparities. 1. Are your CoC’s board and decisionmaking bodies representative of the population served in the CoC? Yes 2. Did your CoC identify steps it will take to help the CoC board and decisionmaking bodies better reflect the population served in the CoC? No 3. Is your CoC expanding outreach in your CoC’s geographic areas with higher concentrations of underrepresented groups? No 4. Does your CoC have communication, such as flyers, websites, or other materials, inclusive of underrepresented groups? No 5. Is your CoC training staff working in the homeless services sector to better understand racism and the intersection of racism and homelessness? No 6. Is your CoC establishing professional development opportunities to identify and invest in emerging leaders of different races and ethnicities in the homelessness sector? No 7. Does your CoC have staff, committees, or other resources charged with analyzing and addressing racial disparities related to homelessness? No 8. Is your CoC educating organizations, stakeholders, boards of directors for local and national nonprofit organizations working on homelessness on the topic of creating greater racial and ethnic diversity? No 9. Did your CoC review its coordinated entry processes to understand their impact on people of different races and ethnicities experiencing homelessness? No 10. Is your CoC collecting data to better understand the pattern of program use for people of different races and ethnicities in its homeless services system? No 11. Is your CoC conducting additional research to understand the scope and needs of different races or ethnicities experiencing homelessness? No Other:(limit 500 characters) 12. 1D-9c. Plan for Ongoing Evaluation of System-level Processes, Policies, and Procedures for Racial Equity. NOFO Section V.B.1.p. Describe in the field below your CoC’s plan for ongoing evaluation of system-level processes, policies, and procedures for racial equity. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC has not conducted a racial disparities assessment to date. Although the Territory is a majority-minority community, the Territory's population is culturally diverse. The service provider agencies' staff reflect that diversity. The written standards drafted for the ESG Program and the CoC prohibit discrimination in any form but particularly against any protected class under the Fair Housing Act. Although there has been no indication of racial disparities in the provision of services, the provision of system-wide training to ensure that all provider agencies learn how to avoid discriminatory practices will be incorporated into the ongoing capacity building efforts of the CoC. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1D-9d. Plan for Using Data to Track Progress on Preventing or Eliminating Racial Disparities. NOFO Section V.B.1.p. Describe in the field below: 1. the measures your CoC plans to use to continuously track progress on preventing or eliminating racial disparities in the provision or outcomes of homeless assistance; and 2. the tools your CoC plans to use to continuously track progress on preventing or eliminating racial disparities in the provision or outcomes of homeless assistance. (limit 2,500 characters) The updated standards being drafted in tandem for both the ESG and CoC Programs prohibit discrimination against any protected class under the Fair Housing Act. Although there has been no indication of disparities, the CoC will incorporate system-wide training on non-discrimination to ensure that all providers learn how to avoid/identify discriminatory practices into the planned capacity-building for the CoC. Analysis of demographic and other data collected regarding the program participants.in comparison to the PIT data will be used to ensure that there are no racial disparities in the provision or outcomes of CoC-funded homeless assistance. 1D-10. Involving Individuals with Lived Experience of Homelessness in Service Delivery and Decisionmaking–CoC’s Outreach Efforts. NOFO Section V.B.1.q. Describe in the field below your CoC’s outreach efforts (e.g., social media announcements, targeted outreach) to engage those with lived experience of homelessness in leadership roles and decisionmaking processes. (limit 2,500 characters) The CoC has been intentional in its efforts to involve persons with lived experience of homeless in the CoC decision-making. The input of persons with lived experience of homelessness is guaranteed through the inclusion of a consumer (homeless or formerly homeless) on the CoC's Executive Board. The consumer participant was identified through targeted outreach conducted among member agencies. Various member agencies identified potential participants; those persons were then contacted and asked about their interest in serving on the CoC Executive Board. Various provider agencies routinely utilize persons with lived experience of homelessness in roles around program operations. 1D-10a. Active CoC Participation of Individuals with Lived Experience of Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.q. You must upload the Lived Experience Support Letter attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Enter in the chart below the number of people with lived experience who currently participate in your CoC under the four categories listed: Level of Active Participation Number of People with Lived Experience Within the Last 7 Years or Current Program Participant Number of People with Lived Experience Coming from Unsheltered Situations 1. Routinely included in the decisionmaking processes related to addressing homelessness. 1 0 2. Participate on CoC committees, subcommittees, or workgroups. 1 0 3. Included in the development or revision of your CoC’s local competition rating factors. 0 0 4. Included in the development or revision of your CoC’s coordinated entry process. 1 0 1D-10b. Professional Development and Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Lived Experience of Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.q. Describe in the field below how your CoC or CoC membership organizations provide professional development and employment opportunities to individuals with lived experience of homelessness. (limit 2,500 characters) The VI CoC does not have staff; as such it has not been in a position to provide professional development and employment opportunities to individuals with lived experience of homelessness. The CoC recently secured an appropriation of local funds to enable the employment of one staff position to assist with the implementation of the CES and the development of standards for monitoring, etc. Various provider agencies routinely utilize persons with lived experience of homelessness in roles around program operations - whether on a volunteer basis or in the form of formal employment. For those CoC member organizations that are ESG subrecipients, this incorporation of persons with lived experience is a mandatory element. 1D-10c. Routinely Gathering Feedback and Addressing Challenges of Individuals with Lived Experience of Homelessness. NOFO Section V.B.1.q. Describe in the field below: 1. how your CoC gathers feedback from people experiencing homelessness; 2. how often your CoC gathers feedback from people experiencing homelessness; 3. how your CoC gathers feedback from people who received assistance through the CoC Program or ESG Program; 4. how often your CoC gathers feedback from people who have received assistance through the CoC Program or ESG Program; and 5. steps your CoC has taken to address challenges raised by people with lived experience of homelessness. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) Many of the CoC member agencies routinely gather feedback from their clients and also from former consumers of CoC- or ESG- funded programs with whom they are still in contact . Several agencies utilize former consumers in an advisory role via membership on an advisory committee or even membership on the agency's Board. With respect to the CoC, the Board composition requires that one member is a person with lived experience; this allows the CoC to receive feedback from a person with lived experience relative to challenges of homelessness. Recently, the Collaborative Applicant (who is also the ESG recipient for the Territory) created a survey questionnaire which was disseminated to various provider agencies to gain feedback from consumers. One of the common feedback topics shared by persons with lived experience is the challenge posed by the lack of affordable housing. 1D-11. Increasing Affordable Housing Supply. NOFO Section V.B.1.s. Describe in the field below at least two steps your CoC has taken in the past 12 months to engage city, county, or state governments that represent your CoC’s geographic area regarding the following: 1. reforming zoning and land use policies to permit more housing development; and 2. reducing regulatory barriers to housing development. (limit 2,500 characters) The challenges of increasing affordable housing supply in the Territory are numerous and entail much more than administrative factors such as the reform of zoning and land use policies to permit more housing development or reduction of regulatory barriers. The Territory's limited land mass, topography, location in active seismic and hurricane zones as well as its geographic isolation and labor shortages all result in its being a high-cost area. These external factors severely constrain the development of affordable housing. With this understanding of the unique dynamics of the jurisdiction, the CoC has engaged local government officials for funding to support the CoC and also nonprofit agencies that work to help clients attain stability through provision of mental health and substance abuse services and/or assertive case management. It is hoped that, once returned to stability, clients will be able to become employed and afford housing (even subsidized housing). The CoC's Collaborative Applicant, Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, is the primary entity of the Territorial government that is tasked with the development of housing across the entire continuum. VIHFA is constantly engaged with the executive and legislative branches of the Territorial government to communicate the needs for funds to help subsidize the production of affordable housing. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1E. Project Capacity, Review, and Ranking–Local Competition HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 1E-1. Web Posting of Advance Public Notice of Your CoC’s Local Competition Deadline, Scoring and Rating Criteria. NOFO Section V.B.2.a. and 2.g. 1. Enter the date your CoC published its submission deadline and scoring and rating criteria for New Project applicants to submit their project applications for your CoC’s local competition. 08/09/2024 2. Enter the date your CoC published its submission deadline and scoring and rating criteria for Renewal Project applicants to submit their project applications for your CoC’s local competition. 08/09/2024 1E-2. Project Review and Ranking Process Your CoC Used in Its Local Competition. We use the response to this question and the response in Question 1E-2a along with the required attachments from both questions as a factor when determining your CoC’s eligibility for bonus funds and for other NOFO criteria below. NOFO Section V.B.2.a., 2.b., 2.c., 2.d., and 2.e. You must upload the Local Competition Scoring Tool attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Select yes or no in the chart below to indicate how your CoC ranked and selected project applications during your local competition: 1. Established total points available for each project application type. Yes 2. At least 33 percent of the total points were based on objective criteria for the project application (e.g., cost effectiveness, timely draws, utilization rate, match, leverage), performance data, type of population served (e.g., DV, youth, Veterans, chronic homelessness), or type of housing proposed (e.g., PSH, RRH). Yes 3. At least 20 percent of the total points were based on system performance criteria for the project application (e.g., exits to permanent housing destinations, retention of permanent housing, length of time homeless, returns to homelessness). No 4. Provided points for projects that addressed specific severe barriers to housing and services. Yes 5. Used data from comparable databases to score projects submitted by victim service providers. No Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 6. Provided points for projects based on the degree the projects identified any barriers to participation (e.g., lack of outreach) faced by persons of different races and ethnicities, particularly those over- represented in the local homelessness population, and has taken or will take steps to eliminate the identified barriers. No 1E-2a. Scored Project Forms for One Project from Your CoC’s Local Competition. We use the response to this question and Question 1E-2. along with the required attachments from both questions as a factor when determining your CoC’s eligibility for bonus funds and for other NOFO criteria below. NOFO Section V.B.2.a., 2.b., 2.c., and 2.d. You must upload the Scored Forms for One Project attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Complete the chart below to provide details of your CoC’s local competition: 1. What were the maximum number of points available for the renewal project form(s)? 95 2. How many renewal projects did your CoC submit? 3 3. What renewal project type did most applicants use? PH-PSH 1E-2b. Addressing Severe Barriers in the Local Project Review and Ranking Process. NOFO Section V.B.2.d. Describe in the field below: 1. how your CoC analyzed data regarding each project that has successfully housed program participants in permanent housing; 2. how your CoC analyzed data regarding how long it takes to house people in permanent housing; 3. how your CoC considered the specific severity of needs and vulnerabilities experienced by program participants preventing rapid placement in permanent housing or the ability to maintain permanent housing when your CoC ranked and selected projects; and 4. the severe barriers your CoC considered. (limit 2,500 characters) Three projects were submitted in this application cycle. Two projects were renewals fo permanent supportive housing - which housing is critically needed in the Territory. Although serving only small numbers of persons, these programs were ranked and selected because they address populations that are difficult to serve (i.e., chronically homeless). In general, it is challenging identifying affordable housing for vulnerable (low income) residents of the Territory due to acute housing shortages. This situation is even more challenging when working with homeless or at-risk persons - especially persons who need supports or wrap-around services. The VICoC acknowledgers that certain performance levels could be improved but this is generally outweighed by the fact projects of this type are needed in the jurisdiction. The other renewal project was for HMIS services. This is also critical because data-informed decision-making has become an increasingly important component of obtaining funding for homeless services. For this reason, this renewal received the highest ranking. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 1E-3. Advancing Racial Equity through Participation of Over-Represented Populations in the Local Competition Review and Ranking Process. NOFO Section V.B.2.e. Describe in the field below: 1. how your CoC used input from persons of different races and ethnicities, particularly those over- represented in the local homelessness population, to determine the rating factors used to review project applications; 2. how your CoC included persons of different races and ethnicities, particularly those over- represented in the local homelessness population in the review, selection, and ranking process; and 3. how your CoC rated and ranked projects based on the degree that proposed projects identified any barriers to participation (e.g., lack of outreach) faced by persons of different races and ethnicities, particularly those over-represented in the local homelessness population, and steps the projects took or will take to eliminate the identified barriers. (limit 2,500 characters) The Territory is a majority-minority jurisdiction yet the population is very diverse. Likewise the composition of the CoC membership and the individual member agencies reflect that same diversity. With respect to the local homeless population, the racial diversity reflects the Territory's population. The most over- represented population in local homeless population tends to be persons with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse (i.e., regardless of race, ethnicity). At least one agency which exclusively serves this population is represented in the CoC and ensures that the needs of this population is reflected in the priorities of the CoC and ultimately, the rating factors to review applications. 1E-4. Reallocation–Reviewing Performance of Existing Projects. NOFO Section V.B.2.f. Describe in the field below: 1. your CoC’s reallocation process, including how your CoC determined which projects are candidates for reallocation because they are low performing or less needed; 2. whether your CoC identified any low performing or less needed projects through the process described in element 1 of this question during your CoC’s local competition this year; 3. whether your CoC reallocated any low performing or less needed projects during its local competition this year; and 4. why your CoC did not reallocate low performing or less needed projects during its local competition this year, if applicable. (limit 2,500 characters) The VICoC has not engaged in any reallocation during this funding cycle. 1E-4a. Reallocation Between FY 2019 and FY 2024. NOFO Section V.B.2.f. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Did your CoC cumulatively reallocate at least 20 percent of its ARD between FY 2019 and FY 2024? No 1E-5. Projects Rejected/Reduced–Notification Outside of e-snaps. NOFO Section V.B.2.g. You must upload the Notification of Projects Rejected-Reduced attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. 1. Did your CoC reject any project application(s) submitted for funding during its local competition? No 2. Did your CoC reduce funding for any project application(s) submitted for funding during its local competition? No 3. Did your CoC inform applicants why your CoC rejected or reduced their project application(s) submitted for funding during its local competition? No 4. If you selected Yes for element 1 or element 2 of this question, enter the date your CoC notified applicants that their project applications were being rejected or reduced, in writing, outside of e-snaps. If you notified applicants on various dates, enter the latest date of any notification. For example, if you notified applicants on 06/26/2024, 06/27/2024, and 06/28/2024, then you must enter 06/28/2024. 1E-5a. Projects Accepted–Notification Outside of e-snaps. NOFO Section V.B.2.g. You must upload the Notification of Projects Accepted attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Enter the date your CoC notified project applicants that their project applications were accepted and ranked on the New and Renewal Priority Listings in writing, outside of e-snaps. If you notified applicants on various dates, enter the latest date of any notification. For example, if you notified applicants on 06/26/2024, 06/27/2024, and 06/28/2024, then you must enter 06/28/2024. 10/23/2024 1E-5b. Local Competition Selection Results for All Projects. NOFO Section V.B.2.g. You must upload the Local Competition Selection Results attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Does your attachment include: 1. Project Names; 2. Project Scores; 3. Project Status–Accepted, Rejected, Reduced Reallocated, Fully Reallocated; 4. Project Rank; 5. Amount Requested from HUD; and 6. Reallocated Funds +/-. Yes 1E-5c. Web Posting of CoC-Approved Consolidated Application 2 Days Before CoC Program Competition Application Submission Deadline. NOFO Section V.B.2.g. and 24 CFR 578.95. You must upload the Web Posting–CoC-Approved Consolidated Application attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Enter the date your CoC posted the CoC-approved Consolidated Application on the CoC’s website or partner’s website–which included: 1. the CoC Application; and 2. Priority Listings for Reallocation forms and all New, Renewal, and Replacement Project Listings. 10/30/2024 1E-5d. Notification to Community Members and Key Stakeholders by Email that the CoC-Approved Consolidated Application is Posted on Website. NOFO Section V.B.2.g. You must upload the Notification of CoC- Approved Consolidated Application attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Enter the date your CoC notified community members and key stakeholders that the CoC- approved Consolidated Application was posted on your CoC’s website or partner’s website. 10/30/2024 Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2A. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Implementation HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 2A-1. HMIS Vendor. Not Scored–For Information Only Enter the name of the HMIS Vendor your CoC is currently using. Eccovia Solutions 2A-2. HMIS Implementation Coverage Area. Not Scored–For Information Only Select from dropdown menu your CoC’s HMIS coverage area. Statewide 2A-3. HIC Data Submission in HDX. NOFO Section V.B.3.a. Enter the date your CoC submitted its 2024 HIC data into HDX. 04/25/2024 2A-4. Comparable Databases for DV Providers–CoC and HMIS Lead Supporting Data Collection and Data Submission by Victim Service Providers. NOFO Section V.B.3.b. In the field below: 1. describe actions your CoC and HMIS Lead have taken to ensure DV housing and service providers in your CoC collect data in HMIS comparable databases; and 2. state whether DV housing and service providers in your CoC are using a HUD-compliant comparable database–compliant with the FY 2024 HMIS Data Standards. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) There are two DV service provider agencies in the Territory. Of these, one provider agency has been utilizing a HUD-compliant comparable database. The CoC looks forward to utilizing the de-identified aggregate data to facilitate a better understanding of the needs of DV victims and the challenges of addressing homelessness among this subpopulation. With the encouragement of the CoC, the HMIS Lead researched several comparable database products and recently facilitated a demonstration of a HUD-compliant database for the second provider agency (which agency is not presently utilizing a comparable database). In addition DV provider agency staff, the presentation was attended by several members of the CoC's HMIS subcommittee in an effort to enhance the CoC's knowledge of the subject matter. The demonstration was favorably received by the DV provider agency; as such, the CoC and the HMIS Lead are optimistic that 100% of the DV providers in the jurisdiction will be utilizing a HUD-compliant database to collect data. 2A-5. Bed Coverage Rate–Using HIC, HMIS Data–CoC Merger Bonus Points. NOFO Section V.B.3.c. and V.B.7. Using the 2024 HDX Competition Report we issued your CoC, enter data in the chart below by project type: Project Type Adjusted Total Year-Round, Current Non-VSP Beds [Column F of HDX Report] Adjusted Total Year-Round, Current VSP Beds [Column K of HDX Report] Total Year-Round, Current, HMIS Beds and VSP Beds in an HMIS Comparable Database [Column M of HDX Report] HMIS and Comparable Database Coverage Rate [Column O of HDX Report] 1. Emergency Shelter (ES) beds 30 0 30 100.00% 2. Safe Haven (SH) beds 0 0 0 0.00% 3. Transitional Housing (TH) beds 62 0 62 100.00% 4. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) beds 0 0 0 0.00% 5. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) beds 22 0 22 100.00% 6. Other Permanent Housing (OPH) beds 0 0 0 0.00% 2A-5a. Partial Credit for Bed Coverage Rates at or Below 84.99 for Any Project Type in Question 2A-5. NOFO Section V.B.3.c. For each project type with a bed coverage rate that is at or below 84.99 percent in question 2A-5, describe: 1. steps your CoC will take over the next 12 months to increase the bed coverage rate to at least 85 percent for that project type; and 2. how your CoC will implement the steps described to increase bed coverage to at least 85 percent. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 (limit 2,500 characters) There are no project types with bed coverage rations below 84.99%. 2A-6. Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) Submission in HDX 2.0. NOFO Section V.B.3.d. You must upload your CoC’s FY 2024 HDX Competition Report to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Did your CoC submit at least two usable LSA data files to HUD in HDX 2.0 by January 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST? Yes Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2B. Continuum of Care (CoC) Point-in-Time (PIT) Count HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 2B-1. PIT Count Date. NOFO Section V.B.4.a Enter the date your CoC conducted its 2024 PIT count. 01/27/2024 2B-2. PIT Count Data–HDX Submission Date. NOFO Section V.B.4.a Enter the date your CoC submitted its 2024 PIT count data in HDX. 06/13/2024 2B-3. PIT Count–Effectively Counting Youth in Your CoC’s Most Recent Unsheltered PIT Count. NOFO Section V.B.4.b. Describe in the field below how your CoC: 1. engaged unaccompanied youth and youth serving organizations in your CoC’s most recent PIT count planning process; 2. worked with unaccompanied youth and youth serving organizations to select locations where homeless youth are most likely to be identified during your CoC’s most recent PIT count planning process; and 3. included youth experiencing homelessness as counters during your CoC’s most recent unsheltered PIT count. (limit 2,500 characters) Based on the PIT counts conducted over the past decade also supported by anecdotal evidence, there is no indication of homelessness among unaccompanied youth; thus, no special engagement efforts were designed for this sub-population. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2B-4. PIT Count–Methodology Change–CoC Merger Bonus Points. NOFO Section V.B.5.a and V.B.7.c. In the field below: 1. describe any changes your CoC made to your sheltered PIT count implementation, including methodology or data quality changes between 2023 and 2024, if applicable; 2. describe any changes your CoC made to your unsheltered PIT count implementation, including methodology or data quality changes between 2023 and 2024, if applicable; 3. describe whether your CoC’s PIT count was affected by people displaced either from a natural disaster or seeking short-term shelter or housing assistance who recently arrived in your CoCs' geographic; and 4. describe how the changes affected your CoC’s PIT count results; or 5. state “Not Applicable” if there were no changes or if you did not conduct an unsheltered PIT count in 2024. (limit 2,500 characters) N/A; no unsheltered count was conducted in 2024. The CoC is currently in the beginning stages of planning for its next unsheltered count in January 2025. It is anticipated that some methodology changes may be incorporated then. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2C. System Performance HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 2C-1. Reducing the Number of First Time Homeless–Risk Factors Your CoC Uses. NOFO Section V.B.5.b. In the field below: 1. describe how your CoC determined the risk factors to identify persons experiencing homelessness for the first time; 2. describe your CoC’s strategies to address individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless; and 3. provide the name of the organization or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to reduce the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness for the first time (limit 2,500 characters) Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Based on anecdotal information gathered from first-time homeless or (persons at-risk of homelessness) during intake conducted by agencies providing RRH/HP services as well as from persons applying for assistance under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), the major risk factors for becoming homeless for the first time was loss of primary source of household income -typically associated with job loss. Another risk factor that has been seen in recent years in the Territory is loss of primary residence (particularly, rental unit) due to natural disaster and the subsequent inability to new housing due to limited supply of affordable housing units. (This scenario is commonly seen in persons at-risk of homelessness (couch-surfing or losing their primary night-time residence because their host is no longer to accommodate them). The primary strategy employed to address individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless includes deployment of programs that provide homeless prevention services (e.g., ESG-funded HP programs). In the case of agencies administering ESG-funded programs, those agencies provide case management services which not only align clients with rental assistance but also provide referrals/linkages to housing (public, private subsidized, and HCV) and other social services in an effort to divert these households from becoming homeless. The CoC understands that linking individuals and families to the right level of assistance and services and services at the right time is essential for their success. It is also the most efficient use of the Territory's scare resources. The CoC continues to work towards finalizing the design of its crisis response system now informed by the lessons learned since the implementation of the case-conferencing process as a proxy to the CES. There is no singular organization or position title that is responsible for overseeing the CoC's strategy for reducing the number of persons experiencing homelessness for the first time. The CoC's Homeless Service Coordinator will be tasked with assisting the CoC with assessing available resources and completing the final CES design that ensures that individuals and families are being linked to the right level of assistance and services and services to successfully divert them from homelessness. 2C-1a. Impact of Displaced Persons on Number of First Time Homeless. NOFO Section V.B.5.b Was your CoC’s Number of First Time Homeless [metric 5.2] affected by the number of persons seeking short-term shelter or housing assistance displaced due to: 1. natural disasters? No 2. having recently arrived in your CoC’s geographic area? No 2C-2. Reducing Length of Time Homeless–CoC’s Strategy. NOFO Section V.B.5.c. In the field below: 1. describe your CoC’s strategy to reduce the length of time individuals and persons in families remain homeless; Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 2. describe how your CoC identifies and houses individuals and persons in families with the longest lengths of time homeless; and 3. provide the name of the organization or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to reduce the length of time individuals and families remain homeless. (limit 2,500 characters) Current data reflects a decrease in the length of time persons remain homeless. This is likely due to a slight easing of the impacts of the tight housing market precipitated by the 2017 hurricanes. This may be attributed to lessened demand for housing for off-island workers with perhaps some landlords now willing to rent to locals once again rather than chasing the short-term rental market. Nonetheless, the overall market is still hampered by the slow pace of restoration/replacement of damaged housing units. Although the cohort of persons experiencing homelessness due to displacement by the 2017 hurricanes can be expected to reduce over time; the traditional cohorts of homelessness remain entrenched and still require resources in order to be addressed. The most acute need for that has been identified as permanent supportive housing and funding for assertive case management teams. The CoC's strategy for identifying and housing individuals/families with the longest lengths of time homeless is being crafted as part of the development of the Coordinated Entry System. Chronic homelessness and the most intensive service needs will be targeted as the criteria for entry into permanent supportive housing while homelessness with the least inventive service needs will be referred for resources such as housing choice vouchers, referrals to subsidized housing (project-based voucher units), or other assistance with housing search. 2C-3. Successful Permanent Housing Placement or Retention –CoC’s Strategy. NOFO Section V.B.5.d. In the field below: 1. describe your CoC’s strategy to increase the rate that individuals and persons in families residing in emergency shelter, safe havens, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing exit to permanent housing destinations; 2. describe your CoC’s strategy to increase the rate that individuals and persons in families residing in permanent housing projects retain their permanent housing or exit to permanent housing destinations; and 3. provide the name of the organization or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to increase the rate that individuals and families exit to or retain permanent housing. (limit 2,500 characters) Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 During the period, the exits to permanent housing destinations among persons in emergency shelter and transitional housing decreased in comparison to the same group in the previous two years. In addition, percentage of successful exits also decreased among this population. During the same period, the reported number of exits to permanent housing among persons in PH projects increased and the applicable percentage of those exits remained stable (full success). The reason for the decrease in exits reflected in the current data may be attributable to the slow pace of restoration of the housing units damaged in the 2017 hurricanes. One of the key strategies for increasing the rate of exits to permanent housing include referrals to the PHA for public housing as well as the Housing Choice Voucher program and referrals to the other subsidized housing, as appropriate. In support of this goal, the CoC will continue to press the local PHA to revise its admission policy to reduce entry barriers - especially for persons with criminal records - and also to move toward embracing a Housing First approach. Another strategy for increasing the rate that persons in permanent housing retain their housing or persons in emergency shelter, transitional housing or RRH exit to permanent housing is ensuring that the clients have the necessary earned income, or mainstream subsistence benefits, as necessary, and case management supports to achieve stability. The CoC recognizes that the more traditional cohorts of homelessness - i.e., chronically homeless - still require investment of substantial resources in order to be addressed. The most acute need there has been previously identified as permanent supportive housing units or the provision of wrap-around services which are necessary to ensure that clients can maintain stability once exited to permanent housing; as such, a key strategy has been has been continued advocacy for more funding for robust mental health services - to include assertive case management teams. The CoC's Homeless Services Coordinator will oversee the development or the CoC's strategy to increase exists to permanent housing. 2C-4. Reducing Returns to Homelessness–CoC’s Strategy. NOFO Section V.B.5.e. In the field below: 1. describe your CoC’s strategy to identify individuals and families who return to homelessness; 2. describe your CoC’s strategy to reduce the rate that individuals and families return to homelessness; and 3. provide the name of the organization or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to reduce the rate individuals and persons in families return to homelessness. (limit 2,500 characters) Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 At this time, the primary means of identifying persons returning to homelessness is via data reporting in HMIS. The most recent reported recidivism rate (return to homelessness) is 0% (returns in 2 years). Of a total of thirteen (13) persons exited to a PH destination, none of them returned to homelessness as indicated in HMIS for up to two years after their initial exit. Anecdotally ,the CoC recognizes that the greatest contributor to return to homelessness is the lack of permanent supportive housing and/or assertive case management services necessary for clients to maintain stability and thus remain stably housed. The primary strategy for reducing returns to homelessness entails increasing the availability of wrap-around case management services to ensure that vulnerable clients attain long-term stability in their housing situations - whether transitional or permanent supportive housing. Case management also includes linkage to services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and medication management, as needed. The CoC's strategy to reduce the recidivism rate regarding return to homelessness will be overseen by the Homeless Services Coordinator. The Homeless Service Coordinator oversees the development and implementation of all CoC stategy relative to the reduction of homelessness. 2C-5. Increasing Employment Cash Income–CoC's Strategy. NOFO Section V.B.5.f. In the field below: 1. describe your CoC’s strategy to access employment cash sources; 2. describe how your CoC works with mainstream employment organizations to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness increase their employment cash income; and 3. provide the organization name or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to increase income from employment. (limit 2,500 characters) Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 Recognizing that income stability is a critical factor toward successfully retaining permanent housing, the CoC has included in its written standards the provision of employment counseling and referrals for job training among the services that must be provided to persons who are being assisted by the homeless crisis response system. These services can either be provided directly by the CoC- or ESG- funded program or via referral to the local Department of Labor or other other provider of job-training services. The local DOL provides assistance with job search skills, jo b training, and registration for employment. Where the client receiving assistance is a veteran, referrals are to be made to the SSVF Program which provides linkages to veteran-specific initiatives such as Hero to Hired. Clients with disabilities shall be referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for assessment of abilities and determination of employable skills and/or skills augmentation needs. There are very few private employment and/or staffing agencies in the Territory is very limited so such partnerships are not a viable option for the VICoC. Although referrals are routinely made to the local Department of Labor, there is no formal partnership in place between the entities at this time. The CoC hopes to leverage its representation on the Interagency Council on Homelessness to establish joint and cooperative efforts and policy initiatives which will result in formal relationships with some key agencies such as the local Department of Labor. 2C-5a. Increasing Non-employment Cash Income–CoC’s Strategy NOFO Section V.B.5.f. In the field below: 1. describe your CoC’s strategy to access non-employment cash income; and 2. provide the organization name or position title that is responsible for overseeing your CoC’s strategy to increase non-employment cash income. (limit 2,500 characters) Presently, all homeless service provider agencies provide case management to clients which includes linkages to mainstream benefits. The augmentation of household income is a key goal of the service plan for persons who are being assisted by the homeless response system. The revised written standards being developed in tandem for ESG- and CoC include the requirement that case management services shall include referrals of clients for mainstream benefits such as TANF, VA pension, Social Security benefits, or disability benefits, as appropriate. In addition to referrals for services, case managers are also expected to provide or arrange transportation and accompany clients to appointments to secure benefits. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 3A. Coordination with Housing and Healthcare HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 3A-1. New PH-PSH/PH-RRH Project–Leveraging Housing Resources. NOFO Section V.B.6.a. You must upload the Housing Leveraging Commitment attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Is your CoC applying for a new PH-PSH or PH-RRH project that uses housing subsidies or subsidized housing units which are not funded through the CoC or ESG Programs to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness? No 3A-2. New PH-PSH/PH-RRH Project–Leveraging Healthcare Resources. NOFO Section V.B.6.b. You must upload the Healthcare Formal Agreements attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. Is your CoC applying for a new PH-PSH or PH-RRH project that uses healthcare resources to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness? No 3A-3. Leveraging Housing/Healthcare Resources–List of Projects. NOFO Sections V.B.6.a. and V.B.6.b. If you selected yes to questions 3A-1. or 3A-2., use the list feature icon to enter information about each project application you intend for HUD to evaluate to determine if they meet the criteria. Project Name Project Type Rank Number Leverage Type This list contains no items Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 3B. New Projects With Rehabilitation/New Construction Costs HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 3B-1. Rehabilitation/New Construction Costs–New Projects. NOFO Section V.B.1.r. Is your CoC requesting funding for any new project application requesting $200,000 or more in funding for housing rehabilitation or new construction? No 3B-2. Rehabilitation/New Construction Costs–New Projects. NOFO Section V.B.1.r. If you answered yes to question 3B-1, describe in the field below actions CoC Program-funded project applicants will take to comply with: 1. Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u); and 2. HUD’s implementing rules at 24 CFR part 75 to provide employment and training opportunities for low- and very-low-income persons, as well as contracting and other economic opportunities for businesses that provide economic opportunities to low- and very-low-income persons. (limit 2,500 characters) N/A; no new project included in this application. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 3C. Serving Persons Experiencing Homelessness as Defined by Other Federal Statutes HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 3C-1. Designating SSO/TH/Joint TH and PH-RRH Component Projects to Serve Persons Experiencing Homelessness as Defined by Other Federal Statutes. NOFO Section V.F. Is your CoC requesting to designate one or more of its SSO, TH, or Joint TH and PH-RRH component projects to serve families with children or youth experiencing homelessness as defined by other Federal statutes? No 3C-2. Cost Effectiveness of Serving Persons Experiencing Homelessness as Defined by Other Federal Statutes. NOFO Section V.F. You must upload the Project List for Other Federal Statutes attachment to the 4B. Attachments Screen. If you answered yes to question 3C-1, describe in the field below: 1. how serving this population is of equal or greater priority, which means that it is equally or more cost effective in meeting the overall goals and objectives of the plan submitted under Section 427(b)(1)(B) of the Act, especially with respect to children and unaccompanied youth than serving the homeless as defined in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of the definition of homeless in 24 CFR 578.3; and 2. how your CoC will meet requirements described in Section 427(b)(1)(F) of the Act. (limit 2,500 characters) N/A; VICoC is not requesting to designate any projects to serve families with children or youth experiencing homelessness as noted at Question 3C-1 above. Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024 4A. DV Bonus Project Applicants for New DV Bonus Funding HUD publishes resources on the HUD.gov website at CoC Program Competition to assist you in completing the CoC Application. Resources include: - Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants; - 24 CFR part 578; - FY 2024 CoC Application Navigational Guide; - Section 3 Resources; - PHA Crosswalk; and - Frequently Asked Questions 4A-1. New DV Bonus Project Applicants. NOFO Section I.B.3.j. Did your CoC submit one or more new project applications for DV Bonus Funding? No Applicant Name This list contains no items Applicant: Virgin Islands CoC VI-500 Project: VI-500 CoC Registration FY2024 COC_REG_2024_215166 FY2024 CoC Application 10/30/2024