About

Mission

The Virgin Islands Continuum of Care Council on Homelessness is a united coalition of private and public-sector service providers with the mission to prevent and end homelessness on The Virigin Islands by rapidly connecting those in need to appropriate, low-barrier housing and services to support stability.

What is a Continuum of Care (CoC)?

To receive homeless assistance funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) communities are required to establish and maintain a Continuum of Care (CoC). CoCs are responsible for coordinating funding, policies, strategies and activities toward ending homelessness in their region. CoC is also the name of the HUD program that provides funds to end homelessness.

What is the Purpose of the CoC?

Promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness
Provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States/territories, and local governments to re-
house homeless individuals and families rapidly while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to
homeless individuals, families, and communities as a consequence of homelessness
Promote access to, and effective use of, mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families
Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals/families experiencing homelessness

CoC grant funds are allocated to jurisdictions annually based on a formula calculation. Organizations (sub-recipients) apply for funds via an annual application process. CoC program funds may be used for projects under five different program components: Permanent Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, Transitional Housing, Supportive Services Only, Homeless Management Information System and Homelessness Prevention. HUD determines whether a jurisdiction is eligible to apply for new funding or renewal funding only. Presently, the Territory is restricted to renewal applications only, but this will change once the CoC builds capacity and comes into HUD compliance.

What Do We Do?

The Virgin Islands Continuum of Care Council is a coalition of volunteer individuals and agencies that assist people experiencing homelessness and those close to experiencing homelessness to obtain housing, economic stability, and an enhanced quality of life through comprehensive services.

Who Leads the Virgin Islands Continuum of Care Council

Chair and HMIS Representative: Mr. Dan Derima

Vice Chair: Mr. Renan Steele

Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras

Collaborative Applicant: Ms. Janine Hector

Consumer: Ms. Aretha DeFoe

Member: Mr. Peter Abrahams

Member: Mr.Rudolph Krigger

Member: Ms. Chaine Lang-Brannigan

Immediate Past President: Ms. Andrea Shillingford

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Virgin Islands Continuum of Care Council on Homelessness
3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200
St. Thomas, VI 00802
usvicoc@gmail.com