VIHFA HOUSING RECOVERY PROGRAMS REMAIN OPERATIONAL DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ST. CROIX, USVI –The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) announced today that it intends to keep the EnVIsion Tomorrow Homeowner and Rental Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program moving forward despite the impact that the growing coronavirus health crisis has had throughout the Territory and the world. In an effort to prioritize worker safety, VIHFA has directed that its contractors implement measures to keep clients and employees as safe as possible and follow all safety protocols outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Two of the programs’ contractors, Horne, LLP, which operates the EnVIsion Tomorrow application and case management centers, and Armand Corporation, the program’s construction management firm have instructed their staff, inspectors and local construction contractors to follow guidelines recommended by the local Department of Health and the CDC.
Horne has temporarily closed its EnVIsion Tomorrow office locations on all three islands and is continuing its business operations remotely for thirty (30) days, which began on March 23. The staff utilizes an online cloud platform for audio calls to clients that is accessible by using laptops and mobile devices. Thus, Horne’s EnVIsion Tomorrow case management team will continue to receive calls and contact homeowners while working remotely. The EnVIsion Tomorrow telephone number (888) 239-3387 remains in service. Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Homeowners can contact their case managers to schedule document drop off or submit documents electronically.
The EnVIsion Tomorrow case management team will continue to work with Armand’s construction team to reconfirm previously scheduled field inspections. The case management team will inquire whether the homeowners are displaying flu-like symptoms and if they wish to keep their scheduled appointments. During site visits, field inspectors will practice safety precautions, including social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment such as respirator masks, full-body suits, gloves, goggles and shoe covers. The VIHFA staff cautions residents to not mistake inspectors dressed in protective gear with medical personnel addressing self-quarantined coronavirus cases.
Local contractors registered with the EnVIsion Tomorrow program were provided CDC Coronavirus COVID-19 factsheets and safety guidelines at a Contractor’s Workshops held on March 17 and 19.
The EnVIsion Tomorrow Homeowner and Rental programs supports the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the homes of low to moderate-income homeowners and landlords, respectively, under the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which is funded by HUD. VIHFA is taking all measures to keep clients, employees, and contractors safe while keeping its operation as functional as possible and help prevent delays in recovery timelines.
For more information, contact the EnVIsion Tomorrow case managers at 1-888-239-3387 or online at www.vistormrecovery.com.
EnVIsion Tomorrow Recovery Centers Temporarily Closed to the Public
