Community Foundation Announces Hurricane Relief Rapid Response Block Grants

The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) announced on Tuesday the expansion of its long-standing “Rapid Response” grant program in the modified form of “Hurricane Relief Rapid Response Block Grants”, funded through the CFVI Friends and Family Fund for USVI Renewal (FNF).  The FNF Fund was established in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria to accommodate donations from CFVI’s family, friends, existing Fund donors, Angels and other partners, the nonprofit said.

According to the release, the fund is administered by CFVI’s board of directors with an emphasis on immediate grass-roots needs in the community and support for long-term solutions in some of the Foundation’s main areas of focus (e.g., early childhood, youth development, volunteerism, the elderly, emergency needs of families).

The purpose of the Hurricane Relief Rapid Response Block Grant Program is to enhance the capacity of these nonprofit partners to meet the needs of individuals in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, CFVI said. Three non-profit agencies operating Territory-wide will each receive a block grant of $25,000: Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Methodist Training and Outreach Center, and VI Partners for Healthy Communities.

Priority for the individual grants will be given to vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, caregivers responsible for young children or the elderly, individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, etc.) and those with needs that cannot be met by other sources (e.g., FEMA, unemployment assistance, medication supplement programs, etc.).

Residents in need of financial assistance are encouraged to contact the grantee organizations directly. Each of the organizations has locations on both St. Croix and St. Thomas (also serving St. John and Water Island residents).

Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands works toward poverty reduction, supporting families and empowering communities.

Methodist Training & Outreach Center, Inc. provides support services and housing placement for the homeless, Veterans and low-income families.

VI Partners for Health Communities provides service integration, outreach, education and increased access to the public health care system to high-risk pregnant women and residents diagnosed with diabetes and/or high blood pressure.

To learn more about CFVI’s hurricane relief efforts, including how you can support, visit CFVI’s website at http://www.cfvi.net/.

Feature Image: Debris pile up at Frederiksted Pier following Hurricane Maria. (Credit: Irene Ali Photography)