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TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS EMERGENCY HOUSING PLAN Package 012-2019-S… · F. Exit Strategy...
Transcript of TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS EMERGENCY HOUSING PLAN Package 012-2019-S… · F. Exit Strategy...
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
EMERGENCY HOUSING PLAN
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Executive Summary
As a result of the mass destruction caused by Hurricanes Marilyn (1995) and Hugo (1989), the
Territory of US Virgin Islands has experienced the suffering of many people who lost their homes
and businesses. This level of destruction has led to an overwhelming sense of loss and
helplessness, which subsequently resulted in relocation of large portions of the population.
Regardless of the type of hazard, an extensive loss of residents severely hampered the ability of
some communities to recover and rebuild.
This emergency housing plan provides policies and strategies our community may employ to serve
residents, retain our population, and offer hope to survivors when their homes and businesses have
been damaged or destroyed. By pooling our local resources and expertise, and with the federal
resources when granted, we will provide temporary housing and support services, as applicable,
to displaced families and individuals.
Rapid recovery requires all segments of the community, including businesses and government
agencies, to quickly reconstruct infrastructure, facilities, and structures. The provision of interim
emergency housing in the post-disaster environment is essential to the long-term recovery and
economic viability of the impacted community.
This strategy details a full array of interim housing options available to the Territory of the Virgin
Islands’ leadership in the aftermath of the disaster. Based upon the severity and magnitude of the
impact, decision-makers will have the flexibility to select the appropriate interim housing strategies
including placement of displaced residents within local hotels, vacant rental units, or within the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided manufactured housing units. This
strategy will also ensure that the needs of special populations within our community are addressed.
The Territory would like to thank the many agencies and organizations that supported the
development of the emergency housing strategy. Their ongoing dedication before, during, and
after a large-scale disaster will ensure the long-term viability of our community.
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Table of Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................................
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................
I. Introduction .... .................................................................................................. A. Mission .........................................................................................................................
B. Purpose .........................................................................................................................
C. Emergency Housing Planning Goals ...............................................................................
D. Plan Methodology ........................................................................................................ E. Planning Assumptions ..................................................................................................
F. Authorities and References ...........................................................................................
1. Federal Disaster Housing...................................................................................
2.Territorial Emergency Housing...........................................................................
G. Overview of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Housing
Assistance Programs ...................................................................................................
II. Local Jurisdiction Composition and Situation............................................... A. Local Jurisdiction Composition ..................................................................................
B. Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Affecting Emergency Housing .....................................
C. Geography and Geology .............................................................................................
D. Demographics and Special Needs Populations ...........................................................
E. Local Jurisdiction Housing Stock Characteristics ......................................................
F. Economic Profile ........................................................................................................
G. Environmental Considerations ....................................................................................
III. Concept of Operations .................................................................................... A. Activation of the Emergency Housing Taskforce ..........................................................
B. Emergency Housing Needs Assessment ........................................................................
C. Systems, Process and Timeline for Assistance Delivery ............................................
D. Post-Emergency Housing Incident Action Plan/Situational Reporting ..........................
E. Coordination of Survivor Information and Needs ......................................................
F. Exit Strategy................................................................................................................
G. Public, Private, Non-profit and Faith-Based Partners ................................................. H. Maintaining Operational Readiness for the Emergency Housing Mission ......................
IV. Housing Strategies ................................................................................ A. Emergency Shelter Operations ...................................................................................
B. Transitional Housing ...................................................................................................
C. Interim Housing ..........................................................................................................
D. Direct Housing (Factory Built Housing).....................................................................
1. Direct Housing on Private Lot .........................................................................
2. Direct Housing on Business and Commercially-Owned Property ...................
3. Direct Housing on Community Sites .................................................................
V. Roles and Responsibilities for Jurisdictional Agencies and Organizations ... A. Emergency Housing Taskforce Composition ................................................................
B. Taskforce Membership Roles Defined .....................................................................
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VI. Regulatory Obstacles for Emergency Housing ................................................... A. Local Regulatory Environment ...................................................................................
B. Expedited Permitting Process .....................................................................................
C. Homeowner Association Regulations .........................................................................
D. Emergency Codes ...............................................................................................
VII. Special Topics................................................................................................ A. Accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act compliance) .....................................
B. Pets and Service Animals............................................................................................
C. Affordable Housing Issues ..........................................................................................
D. Abandonment and Urban Blight .................................................................................
E. Health Issues (Mold remediation, soil contamination, formaldehyde etc.) ................
F. Temporary Housing for Emergency Workers and Volunteers: Base Camps .............
VIII. Preparedness ................................................................................................. A. Plan Updates and Maintenance ...................................................................................
B. Training and Exercise .................................................................................................
IX. Glossary .......................................................................................................... A. Definitions...................................................................................................................
B. Acronyms ....................................................................................................................
Appendices ...................................................................................................... Appendix I Temporary Roof Repair (Blue Roof)
Appendix II Celine Tent
Appendix III Reaction Housing (Temporary for Homeowners)
Appendix IV Green Horizons (Temporary for Homeowners)
Appendix V QuickHab Appendix VI Green Horizons (Semi-Permanent - Pre-Disaster Renters)
Appendix VII SFH40-B (Max 2yr Occupancy/Semi-Permanent - Pre-Disaster Renters)
Appendix VII Inovatec System (Permanent - Pre-Disaster Renters)
Appendix IX Habitability Assessment Report
Appendix X Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan Objectives Checklist
Appendix XI Listing of VI Government Owned Lots
Appendix XII Emergency Housing Taskforce Contact Database
Appendix XIII Emergency Housing Community Site Evaluation Form
Appendix XIV Available Resources & Partners – Department/Organization Defined
Roles/Responsibilities
Appendix XV Emergency Housing Codes
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I. Introduction
A. Mission The Territory of the Virgin Islands leadership is dedicated to supporting a safe, sanitary, and
functional living environment for all community members in the aftermath of a disaster. The intent
of the Emergency Housing Plan is to foster consensus and collaboration among stakeholders with
the aim of building a common approach for carrying out the disaster housing mission, thereby,
expediting community recovery.
B. Purpose In the aftermath of natural or manmade disasters, community members may be displaced due to
damage or loss of residential structures, environmental contamination, or other environmental
factors. The Plan will detail a framework for providing safe, sanitary, and functional temporary
housing options for displaced residents in order to expedite long-term community recovery. Within
the broader recovery framework, the Plan primarily addresses interim housing solutions for
residents. This document will detail a full range of temporary housing options, which may be
employed based upon the severity and magnitude of the disaster.
C. Emergency Housing Planning Goals
1. Detail a comprehensive framework for providing interim housing solutions for
displaced community residents, and if necessary, emergency home repair and
relocation assistance.
2. Develop procedures to address a comprehensive case management system for
residents, which will engage service provider organizations, to include nonprofits,
in order to address post-disaster needs within the community.
3. Enhance the coordination, design and delivery of Federal and Territory disaster
housing assistance through an ongoing partnership with internal and external
stakeholders. Extend the partnership to nonprofit agencies, faith-based partners and
the private sector with the corresponding “Memorandum of Understanding.”
4. Provide an overview of the regulatory environment, which may impact interim
housing solutions in the post-disaster environment.
5. Ensure the integration of the disaster housing strategy with related operational plans
and policy documents such as the VI Zoning and Subdivision Law (Title 2 Chapter
3 VI Codes).
D. Plan Methodology
The Plan provides a framework consistent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) National Disaster Housing Strategy (January 2009) to help integrate existing disaster
housing efforts and focuses on the following:
1. Support individuals, households and communities in returning to self-sufficiency
as quickly as possible.
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2. Affirm and fulfill fundamental emergency housing responsibilities and roles.
3. Increase our collective understanding and ability to meet the needs of disaster
survivors and affected communities.
4. Build capabilities to provide a broad range of flexible housing options, including
sheltering, interim housing, and permanent housing.
5. Better integrate disaster housing assistance with related community support
services and long-term recovery efforts.
6. Improve emergency housing planning to better recover from disasters, including
catastrophic events.
The Emergency Housing Taskforce coordinated with Federal, local public and private entities, to
include voluntary organizations, in developing housing strategies, solutions, and resources across
all sectors and affected populations, evaluated housing requirements, discussed potential solutions
and developed recommendations to support impacted communities after a disaster event.
Annually, the Virgin Islands Emergency Housing Taskforce will review this plan, collaborate, and
revise any necessary updates with all responsible organizations. Further information related to
maintenance of the plan can be found in Chapter VIII Section A.
E. Planning Assumptions ➢ Since some disasters will not receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration, it may be
necessary to implement all or portions of the Emergency Housing Plan without a
Federal Disaster Declaration.
➢ It will be necessary to determine if the housing demand will exceed the housing supply
through the provision of existing residential structures and/or vacant residential units.
➢ The ability to provide interim housing is contingent upon the availability of utility
infrastructure services as well as healthcare, fire, emergency medical services, law
enforcement, school, transportation, retail and other essential governmental services.
➢ Households should be placed in temporary housing as close as possible to their original
home or neighborhood, whenever possible.
➢ Persons with low-income, living in manufactured housing such as mobile homes,
farmers, and persons with functional access and needs are likely to require greater
levels of post-disaster assistance, including provisions for interim housing. This may
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require a combined effort of additional community resources and the efforts of the
private sector and nonprofit agencies.
➢ Urgency must be balanced with informed decisions.
➢ Significant damage will trigger a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which allows for
Individual Assistance Declaration and Public Assistance.
➢ A substantial quantity of displaced disaster survivors, as determined by percentage of
housing losses, is expected in disasters of major or catastrophic levels.
➢ An incident may occur with little to no warning.
➢ A disaster may cause significant disruption to critical infrastructure.
➢ Response in the immediate aftermath of the event must begin with the rapid damage
assessment (without the benefit of detailed/complete assessments.)
➢ A large number of people may be left displaced.
➢ Demographics and socioeconomic characteristics will create unique challenges.
➢ The success of the housing mission will depend on how timely critical information and
issues can be collected, confirmed, and circulated in a consistent format that is readily
accessible and useful to all key stakeholders.
➢ Immediate assessment of shelter for tourists is a potential challenge.
F. Authorities and References
1. Federal Disaster Housing
a. The Stafford Act
FEMA has set the standard for housing assistance as identified in the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The Stafford Act enables the federal
government to employ “special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected
States (to include Territories) in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency
services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, as necessary”. The
Act provides statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as
they pertain to FEMA programs, including disaster housing.
b. The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
This Act requires that all buildings and facilities designed, constructed, or altered with
federal funds, or leased by a Federal agency, comply with federal standards for physical
accessibility. These requirements are limited to architectural standards in new and altered
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buildings and in newly leased facilities. Federal funds used to provide shelter, interim, or
permanent housing after a disaster must comply with ABA requirements. Guidelines for
meeting ABA requirements are provided through Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.
c. Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
UFAS is authorized under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended, Pub. L. No.
90-480, 42 U.S.C. 4151-4157. UFAS establishes requirements for the design, construction,
and alteration of buildings to ensure that individuals with disabilities will have access and
use of them.
d. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. The Act defines a person
with a disability as an individual, who has a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities. All programs that receive Federal
funds must be ADA compliant.
e. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity
that receives federal financial assistance, including federally subsidized housing programs.
f. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA)
The FHAA extends protection against housing discrimination to persons with disabilities.
It requires housing providers to permit, at the expense of the individual with a disability,
reasonable modifications of existing premises.
g. Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act requires the Administration on Developmental
Disabilities (ADD) to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families
receive required services and support.
h. Executive Order 13347: Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness
This executive order became a policy of the Federal government to ensure that the support
needed by individuals with disabilities is integrated into the development and
implementation of emergency preparedness plans by Federal, State, tribal, local
governments and private organizations.
i. Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI
This title prohibits discrimination by government agencies on the basis of race, color, and
national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. If an agency is found in
violation of Title VI, that agency may lose its federal funding.
j. Age Discrimination Act of 1975 This Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving
federal financial assistance.
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k. Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
This act was an amendment to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act to ensure that local emergency preparedness operational plans address the
needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or
emergency.
l. National Fire Protection Association 501 A
Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and
Communities: This standard provides minimum requirements for the installation of
manufactured homes and manufactured home sites, including accessory buildings,
structures, and communities.
m. National Flood Insurance Program Includes clause related to substantial damage and sets limits on what may be placed in the
flood zone.
2. Territorial Disaster Housing
a. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Operations Plan (TEOP): This is
a Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s (VITEMA) plan, which
outlines the organizational roles and responsibilities as well as the policies and procedures
that will be employed by the local jurisdiction during the response and recovery phases.
b. Flood Prevention Code: This code is required under the National Flood Insurance
Program (1968), which details regulatory guidance for development within the flood hazard
areas. The ordinance may incorporate policies related to placement of manufactured
temporary housing units in flood zones.
c. V.I. Zoning and Subdivision Law (Title 2 Chap.3 VIC): The objective of the Zoning
Law is to establish standards and policies concerning development of land, which may be
used in helping to achieve the goals of a General Development Plan for the Virgin Islands.
Goals for development of the Islands are expressed in many ways through programs and
policies on such matters as land use, taxation, capital improvements, urban renewal, public
services and other matters, which require public decision.
G. Overview of the FEMA’s Disas ter Hou sin g Assis tance Progra ms
Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288),
FEMA serves as the primary coordinating agency for disaster response and recovery activities.
FEMA processes the Governor’s request for disaster assistance and coordinates Federal operations
under a Presidential Disaster Declaration. In addition to providing various types of responses and
recovery aids to local governments and certain nonprofit organizations, FEMA provides assistance
under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Federal assistance to IHP has two major
components: Housing Assistance (HA), which is 100% federally funded and Other Needs
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Assistance (ONA), which is 75% federally funded. These forms of assistance are available with
the following authorizations:
1. Temporary Housing:
a. Financial Assistance to eligible individuals and households for renting alternate housing
accommodations, existing rental units, manufactured housing, recreational vehicles, and
other readily fabricated dwellings.
b. Financial Assistance for reimbursement of reasonable, short-term lodging expenses that
individuals or households incur in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
c. Direct Assistance to be provided by FEMA, in the form of purchased or leased temporary
housing units to individuals or households who, due to a lack of available housing
resources, would be unable to make use of assistance provided under subparagraph (a).
d. FEMA will charge Fair Market Rent after 18 months, wherein the period of the declaration
has not been extended for any housing unit it has provided as Direct Assistance to an
individual or household.
e. FEMA may sell purchased housing units that it provided, as Direct Assistance to
individuals and households, and will deposit the proceeds from such sales into the Disaster
Relief Fund.
2. Repairs:
a. FEMA may provide financial assistance for the repairs of owner-occupied private
residences, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) damaged
by a major disaster. The funds are used to return individuals and households to safe,
sanitary, and functional conditions.
b. FEMA may provide financial assistance for eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce
the likelihood of future damage to residences, utilities, or infrastructure.
3. Replacement:
a. FEMA provides financial assistance for the replacement of owner-occupied private
residences damaged by the disaster event. The maximum amount of assistance is adjusted
annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers
published by the US Department of Labor.
b. As a condition of the receipt of Federal disaster assistance, FEMA may require the purchase
of flood insurance. This provision may not be waived.
4. Permanent or Semi-Permanent Construction:
The Permanent Housing Construction Category authorizes FEMA to provide financial or
direct assistance to applicants for the purpose of constructing permanent housing in insular
areas outside the continental United States and in other remote areas.
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The Housing Assistance Program authorizes individual eligibility in more than one category of
assistance. It ensures that survivors whose homes have been damaged or destroyed during a disaster
are provided with a safe place until repairs are complete, the homes rebuilt, or another permanent
residence is secured. Temporary Housing Assistance is designed primarily for survivors who are
uninsured/underinsured. Housing assistance is available only to homeowners and renters who are
legal residents of the United States who were displaced by the declared disaster.
In general, to be eligible for Housing Assistance under the IHP, three conditions must be met:
(1) The home must have been the applicant’s primary residence,
(2) The home must be inaccessible or have been damaged and rendered uninhabitable as a
result of the disaster, and
(3) The insurance, if any, covering the dwelling does not fully cover the applicant’s
additional disaster-related living expenses and/or cost of home repairs.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs are designed for persons and families seeking assistance.
Each household must individually apply and establish their eligibility. Survivors can apply for
assistance by calling one of FEMA’s National Processing Service Centers (NPSC) at the toll-free
registration number, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) (or TTY 1-800-642-7585). Registration can also be
completed online at www.disasterassistance.gov, www.fema.gov, m.fema.gov or by visiting a
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
After an application is submitted to FEMA through the official application process, a local FEMA-
contracted inspector will assess the damage to the applicant’s property and will file a report with
FEMA. FEMA will then make an eligibility determination and may issue a check within 10 days
of receiving the initial application for assistance. However, response times may vary depending
on the volume of demand for assistance.
FEMA Disaster Housing Assistance for individuals/families displaced by disasters includes the
following forms of assistance based on the priorities listed below:
1. Maximize the Use of Available Local Housing Resources
a. Emergency Sheltering:
Individuals and households may be forced to leave their homes to seek shelter due to
an approaching disaster or after a disaster strikes. Regardless of eligibility for program
assistances, shelters should provide disaster survivors with a safe, sanitary and
functional environment, including life-sustaining services. Shelter expenses may be
eligible for reimbursement from FEMA under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. FEMA can provide financial assistance
to eligible applicants for critical disaster-related needs such as water, food, first aid,
prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel for
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transportation through Critical Needs Assistance under the Other Needs Assistance
provision of the IHP.
b. Congregate Shelters:
Shelters can be operated in hard facilities (schools, churches, community centers,
unused warehouses and stores, dormitories, and berthing ships) or in soft-side facilities
(tents or domes). Types of congregate care shelters include general population, medical
support, emergency household pet, ad-hoc/spontaneous, and evacuation.
c. Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA):
When emergency shelters are overwhelmed or if the Territory and FEMA disaster
Leadership determine that shelter’s residents and evacuees will not be able to return
to their homes for an extended period of time, the Territory may request that FEMA
authorize eligible disaster survivors to receive Transitional Sheltering Assistance
(TSA). If TSA is authorized, FEMA will approve, fund and administer the use of
hotels and motels as transitional shelters. The funds used for TSA are not charged
against the disaster survivors’ maximum amount of IHP financial assistance. Hotels
wishing to participate in the Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program can
enroll via website (www.corplodging.com/ELA). Upon successful enrollment, hotels
can immediately bill for approved/qualified guest stays. (FEMA can provide
reimbursement for hotel/motel accommodations to eligible applicants through the
Housing Assistance Program, which is subject to the IHP financial assistance limit).
d. Temporary Roofing (Appendix I):
The roofing program allows homeowners to request government assistance for exigent
repairs to damaged dwellings. Exigent repairs include installing plastic sheeting (Blue
Roof) on damaged roofs and repairing accessibility fixtures such as ramps or railings.
Homes must be inspected by qualified officials and determined to be structurally sound,
and free from health and safety risks. The repair should begin within a week of the
Presidential Disaster Declaration. Voluntary agencies may assist in coordination with
the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to install plastic sheeting in areas
that are not heavily populated or they may assist homeowners with installing tarps.
e. Rapid Temporary Repairs (RTR):
Similar to the Blue Roof program, FEMA has an established partnership with the
USACE on a new pilot initiative to make rapid temporary repairs to doors and windows,
which would allow families to remain in their homes until permanent repairs can be
made.
f. Financial Assistance for Rent:
The preferred method in providing interim housing is through rental assistance. This
includes financial assistance that helps individuals and families to locate and lease
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136 square miles of landmass, roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C, are spread over 603
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or public-owned residential property. This type of interim housing support is provided
within a few weeks following a Presidential Disaster Declaration and is used for those
survivors whose homes have been rendered uninhabitable.
g. Financial Assistance for Repair and Replacement of Damaged Residences:
Repair and replacement assistance is available following the inspection and verification
of damages. FEMA will provide eligible homeowners financial assistance for repairs to
make their home habitable by restoring the home to a condition that is safe, sanitary and
functional. The assistance may be used toward replacement of a destroyed or
condemned home. Repair and replacement assistance may not be sufficient to restore
the home to its pre-disaster condition. The assistance may also take several weeks to
several months before it is made available.
2. Using Manufactured Temporary Housing (Appendices II, III, IV & V)
Temporary housing units may be used to house disaster survivors when other housing options have
been exhausted. Once the appropriate options have been determined by the Territory in
coordination with FEMA, temporary housing may be placed on an eligible family’s private
property, on a pre-existing commercial pad, or as a last resort, on a new community site approved
by local officials, that is constructed and maintained by FEMA. The development of local
ordinances to facilitate the placement of temporary units on private property, where appropriate,
and the pre-identification of potential community sites helps to expedite the placement process.
1. Employ Innovative, Alternative Forms of Temporary Housing (Appendices V & VI)
New materials and innovations in design have the potential to provide a much broader array of
temporary housing than FEMA’s current inventory of manufactured housing options. FEMA is
exploring alternative options for temporary housing units through the Joint Housing Solutions
Group and the Alternative Housing Pilot Program. Alternative forms of direct housing, which may
include the type of modular units used after Hurricane Katrina.
2. Semi-Permanent or Permanent Construction/Assistance (Appendices VII,VIII,IX)
This includes financial or direct assistance to individuals and households. Programs administered
through FEMA and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may allow
for the development of housing options. These options allow for renters to obtain a permanent
housing solution or for the selling of manufactured or modular temporary homes to a homeowner
if repair/rebuilding is not in the financial interests of the homeowner.
II. Local Jurisdiction Composition and Situation
A. Local Jurisdiction Composition The Virgin Islands is an unincorporated, organized territory of the United States located between
the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean about 1,123 miles southeast of Miami and
approximately 80 miles east of Puerto Rico. Although the Territory consists of several dozen
Islands, only four of them, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, are inhabited. The
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square miles of ocean. St. Croix is 40 miles south of St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Islands. The
Territory of the Virgin Island has a total population of 106,405 (2010 Census).
The Territory is divided into two districts, St. Croix, and St. Thomas/St. John, the names of which
correspond to the three major islands. The three administrative districts are further divided into 20
sub-districts: nine on St. Croix, seven on St. Thomas, one of which is Water Islands, and four on
St. John. The districts and their sub-districts are administrative entities, which do not have the
authority to exercise home-rule governmental powers below the territorial level. Because all
government agencies in the Territory function at a territorial level, they are administered by
cabinet-level Commissioners and Directors appointed by the Governor.
The Territory enjoys a tropical climate moderated by trade winds with little variation in the average
temperature. The daily maximum temperature is around 91 °F in the summer and 86 °F in the
winter. The Territory is subject to tropical storms and hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from
June through November. As previously noted, in recent history, Hurricane Marilyn (1995) and
Hurricane Hugo (1989) caused substantial damage. The Territory is also susceptible to
earthquakes, tsunamis, other seismic hazards, heavy rains (i.e., 40 8–12 inches in 24 hours), and
the resultant inland flooding pose another hazard for the Territories 41 low-lying and urbanized
areas.
According to the data provided by the United States Virgin Islands Territorial Hazard Mitigation
Plan (Final, April, 2011) zoning law is based on VIC Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1. The code
divides all the islands into various land and water districts as follows:
• St. Croix-low density residential 54%, agricultural 25%, medium density population 7%,
public and other 6%, industrial 5%, waterfront (pleasure) 2%, business/commercial 1%;
• St. John-public (National Park) and other 52%, low density residential 42%, medium
density population 3%, waterfront (pleasure) 2.5%, industrial <1%; and
• St. Thomas-low density residential 70%, public and other 15%, waterfront (pleasure) 4%,
agricultural <5%, industrial <5%
In 2011, there were approximately 46,358 (22,751 St. Thomas, 21,419 St. Croix and 2,188 St.
John) or 94 percent of the residential buildings in the Inventory of the General Building Stock, 35
schools, 5 hospitals and medical clinics, 8 senior living/ senior care facilities, approximately 9
churches, and 2 Universities. These sites may support the emergency housing mission by providing
short to long-term housing resources. Critical facilities and systems on the densely populated
boundaries of our community may limit interim housing placement options.
B. Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Affecting Emergency Housing Territory of the Virgin Islands is at risk for manmade disasters as detailed in the TEOP and the
United States Virgin Islands Territorial Hazard Mitigation Plan (April 2011). In addition to
manmade disasters, the Territory of the Virgin Islands considers the potential for natural hazards
and disasters in the form of drought, earthquake, coastal flooding and erosion, hurricane winds,
rain-induced landslides, tsunami, and wildfires.
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C. Geography and Geology Territory of the Virgin Islands is comprised of four main islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John
and Water Island. The geography of the islands consists of seaside cliffs, mountains with lush
forest, tiny streams, arid lands and beautiful white sand beaches, rural landscapes, residential areas,
business districts, commercial/industrial areas, various transportation systems (local and state
roadways, airport, etc.), various terrains and natural features, approximately 188 km of coastline,
7,000 plus acres of parkland, and educational facilities. Each island has its own unique physical
characteristics.
St. Croix
St. Croix is 82.88 square miles in size, 28 miles long, and the widest point is approximately 7
miles. The terrain on the east end of the island is rocky and arid with short grassy hillsides and
many cactus clusters. The west end of the island is lush with large fruit trees and ferns gracing the
mountains. In the middle of the island are miles of beautiful beaches, rolling pasturelands and
beautiful land. St. Croix's highest peak, Mount Eagle, is 1,165 feet high. The land slopes to flatlands
on the southern side of the island. There are two main towns Frederiksted and Christiansted, a few
natural harbors, and protected bays. St. Croix is about 40 miles from St. Thomas.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is known for having one long ridge of hills running east and west through the center of
the island with smaller ridges branching off from the center. St. Thomas, thirteen miles long by four
miles wide, encompasses 31.24 square miles. The highest point is Crown Mountain at 1,556 feet.
St. Thomas has a beautiful natural harbor and many protected bays. There are relatively minimal
flat areas on St. Thomas.
St. John
St. John is located about 4 miles from St. Thomas' east end. It has hills and valleys and relatively
few flat areas. St. John is approximately 20 square miles. The island is 7 miles long by 3 miles
wide. The highest point is Bordeaux Mountain at 1,277 feet. Approximately 60% of the island is
protected as Virgin Islands National Park. The island's coastal areas have many fine protected
bays. A natural harbor is found in Coral Bay; however, Cruz Bay is the main town and 'harbor'.
More than two thirds of the island is protected by the US National Park Services.
Water Island
Water Island is the smallest populated island of the group. It is only 0.768 square miles, 2½ miles
long and approximately 1 mile wide. The island has an irregular shape with many bays and
peninsulas. The highest Point is 300 feet above sea level. It is administratively a part (sub-district)
of the St. Thomas District, and is located just half a mile from St. Thomas' south side.
D Demographics and Access and Functional Needs Populations In accordance to the 2010 Census, 14,388, 13.5%, of the total population of Virgin Islands is 65
years old and over. The Territory of the Virgin Islands is committed to providing the best possible
plan to assist the mentioned residents when an emergency is imminent.
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In addition, the Territory has a high population of individuals registered as having access and
functional needs. Access and functional needs populations are those individuals who require
assistance for their disabilities, which include but are not limited to medical, mental, or
psychological disabilities. This group includes those who are non-English (or not fluent) speakers,
geographically or culturally isolated, homeless, frail elderly and children. As of 2012, 20,497
residents are registered as having an access and/or a functional need of which some have self-
identified themselves as being medically fragile, having a language barrier, and/or economically
challenged.
Collaboratively, the VI Department of Human Services (DH), American Red Cross (ARC), and VI
Department of Health (DH) will open and manage Special Needs Shelters, to serve evacuees who
require ongoing medical attention due to age, and/or a chronic, or temporary physical condition.
DHS, ARC and DH will activate special needs shelters upon a mutual agreement. The availability
of handicap accessible units, transportation support agency, and the involvement of additional
human service support agency should be considered when designing interim housing solutions for
the mentioned population. This determination will be made based on the anticipated demand and
the size of the area affected.
E. Local Jurisdiction Housing Stock Characteristics The basic structural systems are categorized into 10 model building types with the following
general construction characteristics: low rise wood frame dwelling, mid-rise wood frame dwelling,
low rise reinforced concrete dwelling, mid-rise reinforced concrete dwelling, low rise steel
building, mid-rise steel building, low rise un-reinforced masonry building, low rise reinforced
masonry building and mid-rise reinforced masonry building. Approximately 65 percent of
Territory of the Virgin Islands single-family residential units are single story structures, while 30
percent are multi-story structures. There is one registered manufactured home complex (trailer
park) within the Territory, Peppertree Terrace on St. Croix with 152 units.
The average age of the homes in Territory of the Virgin Islands is 38 years, which means that many
homes were constructed prior to the implementation of the more stringent building codes. There
are approximately 3,557 registered boats in the Territory, 763 vessels and 10 moorings in the St.
Croix District, and 2,493 vessels, 253 moorings, and 38 anchoring permits in the St. Thomas/St.
John District.
F. Economic Profile The Territory of the Virgin Islands’ primary economic activity is tourism. The manufacturing
sector consists of mainly rum distilling. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being
imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the
economy. Most energy is also generated from oil, leading to electricity costs four to five times
higher than the U.S. mainland. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority also uses imported
energy to operate its desalination facilities to provide fresh water. To draw more technology-
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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focused companies and expand this segment of the economy, the government founded and
launched the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park in conjunction with
private businesses and the University of the Virgin Islands.
The population in the Virgin Islands increases substantially during the winter months, peak tourism
season (mid December-mid April), as a result of visitors and short-term residents in seasonal
homes. The overall seasonal population adds almost 2 million visitors to the year round population
during the winter season.
In 2011, commercial properties comprised approximately 6 percent of the Territory of the Virgin
Islands. These commercial properties include hotels and motels; camps, cottages, and bungalows;
inns, lodges, rooming houses, etc; dining establishments; motor vehicle services; retail services;
bank and office buildings; entertainment businesses; sports assemblies; amusement facilities;
indoor and outdoor sports facilities; marinas; resort complexes; and professional associations.
G. Environmental Considerations Hazardous conditions may be present prior to a disaster and these conditions may increase
following a disaster. Contamination in areas located in commercial, industrial, or landfill areas
could spread to other surrounding areas. A thorough site inspection is required before housing
initiatives are implemented. Adjoining land uses including industrial uses, agricultural uses, and
others could introduce the potential for hazardous materials in air (smokestacks, pesticides/
herbicides), water (industrial sewage, wastewater, disease), or land (contaminated soil, gas tank
leaks) that could create both short and long-term adverse health effects on residents. Addressing
the aforementioned environmental and safety concerns will be critical in strategy development.
Environmentally sensitive areas must be observed when evaluating options for the placement of
community sites. When identifying potential sites, it is important to analyze environmentally
sensitive areas where human interference may cause irreversible damages to the natural ecosystem
and habitat.
Current environmental issues entail a lack of natural freshwater resource, groundwater
contamination, and air emissions.
III. Concept of Operations
The goal of the emergency housing mission is to transition displaced survivors into permanent
housing as quickly and efficiently as possible, which may progress through all four emergency
housing phases. Each of these phases may overlap or may be excluded if they are not needed.
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Shelter Phase
(0-21 Days)
Transitional Shelter Phase
(Up to 60 Days)
Interim Housing Phase
(Up to 18 months)
Permanent Housing Phase
(18 months and beyond)
1. Shelter Phase: The Mass Care/Shelter Coordinator within Territory of the Virgin Islands
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will manage the Emergency Shelter Phase.
2. Transitional Shelter Phase: The Mass Care/Shelter Coordination in close coordination
with the Emergency Housing Coordinator will manage the Transitional Shelter Phase. The
initial stages of this phase will continue to be managed at the EOC with gradual transition
to the Recovery Operations Center, which is under the supervision of the Department of
Human Services and the American Red Cross.
3. Interim Shelter Phase: The Interim Shelter Phase is managed by the Disaster Housing
Taskforce at the Recovery Operations Center, in close coordination with the Joint Field
Office (JFO). The Disaster Housing Coordinator is responsible for directing these efforts
and coordinating with Territory and Federal Disaster Housing Officers. The Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) can assist by providing volunteers and donated
resources to help meet unmet needs.
A. Activation of the Emergency Housing Taskforce In the event of a disaster, the Commissioner of DHS and VITEMA Director would execute a
directive to mobilize the Emergency Housing Activation Taskforce, which will be administered by
VI Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA). Based upon the results of the Preliminary Damage
Assessment (PDA) Report and the Habitability Assessment Reports, they will determine the
priorities of the disaster housing mission and activation of the Emergency Housing Strategy. A
Habitability Assessment Report template can be found in Appendix X.
Under the direction of the VIHFA, the Emergency Housing Taskforce will begin coordinating
efforts with the VITEMA. They may draw resources and program support from the Department of
Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Permits primarily on land use, emergency
permitting, site availability and code issues. The Taskforce will also ensure timely communication
of mission-critical information and issues between and among all levels of government.
Communications with the private sector should be coordinated through Emergency Support
Function (ESF) 15 External Affairs. A Client Management System will be activated on a
conditional basis as the need for social services escalates.
In the event of a catastrophic disaster, VITEMA Public Assistance Area and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), will direct the implementation of the Post Disaster
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Redevelopment Plan (PDRP). While this plan addresses long-term permanent housing issues, it
will also address land use, non-conforming uses, permitting, coastal setbacks, elevation retrofit,
and new construction issues. The PDRP also addresses health and human services, environmental
issues, financial administration, public information and disaster housing. Additional information
regarding roles and responsibilities of each organizational unit are located in the organization
section of this plan.
B. Emergency Housing Needs Assessment Determining the community need for disaster housing in the aftermath of a disaster is a challenging
task. An initial determination must be made in order to position the resources needed to implement
the Emergency Housing Mission. While the numbers will likely change upon receipt of updated
data, the following informational components are needed to quantify the disaster housing need:
✓ Total number of residential structures (by type) with major damages classified as destroyed
or deemed uninhabitable
✓ The estimated number of residential structures which might be made habitable with
minimal repairs
✓ The status of available hotel and motel units
✓ The status and availability of public housing units
✓ The status and availability of privately-owned, vacant rental properties, which could be
used for emergency housing
✓ Status and availability of manufactured housing units or other fabricated dwellings which
could be used for emergency housing
✓ Available useable land meeting the suitability criteria for emergency community sites,
including available space in existing/vacated manufactured home parks
✓ Status of restoration of utilities
✓ Availability of community services including fire, EMS, law enforcement, healthcare,
schools, etc.
✓ Status and availability of college/university housing
✓ Uninsured homeowners whose homes are destroyed or have major damage may require
emergency housing assistance
✓ One or two-family zoned lots of sufficient size to place temporary units onsite
✓ Uninsured residents of multi-family units that are damaged or destroyed will likely need
Direct Housing Assistance in commercial manufactured home parks or community sites
✓ Homeowners who have insurance will not be eligible for Direct Housing Assistance
✓ Owners of secondary homes will not be eligible for Direct Housing Assistance
✓ Non-seasonal, permanent manufactured home residents whose units are damaged or
destroyed will likely require emergency housing assistance.
C. Systems, Process and Timeline for Assistance Delivery The following table provides a general overview of the four phases of the emergency housing
mission. Each phase may be adjusted based upon the magnitude and severity of the disaster
conditions. All phases will overlap to a limited degree. The goal is to transition survivors quickly
back into permanent housing.
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Phase
Shelter 0‐21 days
Transitional Up to 60 days
Interim Housing Up to 18 months
Permanent 18 months >
Housing
Types
Friends & Family Friends & Family Shelters Hotel/Motel Hotel/Motel
Rentals Apartments Homes Seasonal Housing
Rentals Apartments Homes
Seasonal Housing
Lease or purchase of: Single Family Home
Multi‐family Home
Manufactured Homes Manufactured Homes Manufactured Homes
Commercial Space Commercial Space Manufactured Homes
Community Sites Community Sites
Resources
Insurance Insurance Insurance Private Insurance
American Red Cross Voluntary Organizations Faith‐Based
American Red Cross Voluntary Organizations Faith‐Based Private Sector
Voluntary Organizations Non‐profit Organizations Private Sector Faith‐Based
Voluntary Organizations Non‐profit Organizations Private Sector Faith‐Based
Local Government
Local Government Wrap Around Services
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blue Roof or Similar
Emergency Repair
Program
Federal Housing Assistance:
SBA Loans HUD
VA
FEMA housing assistance: Repair Grants
Replacement Grants
FEMA housing assistance: Repair Grants
Replacement Grants
Unmet Needs Committee
Rental Grants Hotel/Motel Vouchers
Rental Grants Direct Housing
D. Post‐ Emergency Housing Incident Action Plan/Situational Reporting (XI)
When deemed necessary by the Director of the VITEMA and in partnership with the Commissioner of DHS, the Emergency Operations Center’s Planning Section will initially
incorporate key components of the emergency housing mission into the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Drafting of the IAP will be a unified effort among the Emergency Support Function (ESF)
personnel. This IAP would be developed for all response operations in compliance with local
planning procedures. These initial emergency housing components will focus on the response
efforts coordinated by ESF 6: Mass Care and other health and human services providers supporting
sheltering operations. The IAP will provide an overview of the response status and initial incident
operational objectives. VITEMA will dictate the continued updating of the IAP throughout the
response phase and beyond. When practical, as the lead of the Emergency Housing Taskforce,
VIHFA Executive Director/CEO, or its designee, in coordination with Territorial and Federal
partners will develop a detailed disaster housing mission plan(s). The first emergency housing
mission plan should be developed within two weeks of the disaster impact followed by a major
update within 30 Days+60 Days+90Days, etc).
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As the emergency housing mission progresses, through the major housing phases listed in the table
below, the plan should be expanded. The table also summarizes housing resources by class,
timeframe, and the expected roles to provide the housing resource.
Focus of Strategic Disaster Housing Plans
Strategic Housing
Plans
Focuses
D+15 ▪ Focus on the needs for extended sheltering
▪ Assess damage impact on housing ▪ Establish initial ball park forecast on temporary housing needs ▪ Identify territorial specific temporary housing options (focus on population retention)
D+30 ▪ Update initial forecast on temporary housing needs ▪ Confirm and incorporate changes to the territorial specific strategies
▪ Review and refine the overall temporary housing efforts
D+60 ▪ Status review of temporary housing mission ▪ Validate temporary housing needs forecast and mission timeframe based on FEMA
Applicant Registrations ▪ Confirm and review progress of county‐specific strategies
D+90 ▪ Focus on the long‐term housing needs assessed ▪ Provide a strategy for long‐term housing recovery (local repopulation strategy) ▪ Mark a transition of focus from temporary housing to long‐term housing
E. Coordination of Survivor Information and Needs Mass care and human services are necessary for providing the most immediate and long-range
needs of disaster survivors which include shelter and feeding, transient and interim housing, care
of unaccompanied children, the elderly, and others unable to care for themselves, disaster welfare
inquiry, and provision of various types of human services assistance to survivors. All of these
services are provided through the coordinated efforts of governmental, non-profit and voluntary
agencies. The purpose of this section is to outline coordinating guidelines for planning, mass care,
emergency housing, and related emergency human services in the short and long-term recovery
phases.
In the event that the President declares a Federal Disaster, which allows federal funds to be used to
assist recovery efforts, the following steps must be taken to activate disaster housing assistance:
1. Residents in the declared area apply for housing under FEMA’s Individuals and
Households Program (IHP) by calling one of FEMA’s National Processing Service Centers
at the toll free registration number, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) (or TTY 1-800-642-7585).
Registration can also be completed by website online at www.disasterassistance.gov,
www.fema.gov or m.fema.gov and by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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2. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send a disaster loan application after
the applicant applies to FEMA for disaster assistance. It is important to complete and return
the application to SBA as soon as possible. If the application is not filled out and returned,
the applicant may not be eligible for other types of federal assistance. SBA low-interest
loans are available to eligible renters, homeowners, businesses of any size and non-profit
organizations that suffered losses due to a disaster (see www.disasterassistance.gov).
3. Homeowners must prove they owned and occupied the home at the time of the disaster and
that the damage was disaster related. Renters must prove that they lived in the disaster-
damaged house at the time of the disaster. If necessary, a FEMA inspector will call to
arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to assess disaster-related damages for
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program.
4. Following review, the applicant receives a determination letter from FEMA with the
eligible/ineligible decision. Qualified applicants will receive a check in the mail or a direct
deposit to their bank, along with a separate letter explaining how to use the assistance.
The Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters can assist by providing volunteers and donated
resources to meet unmet needs.
F. Exit Strategy The Emergency Housing Mission is designed to provide temporary emergency housing for a
period of up to 18 months. Restoration of the community is the best way to return a disaster
affected area to normal. Temporary housing complexes, which create new communities generally,
do not aid such restoration. Community sites should be located and developed so residents can
make maximum use of existing community facilities. Locating sites outside of settled areas might
shift settlement patterns, weaken the value of existing facilities, and require new transportation
services or new facilities. Successful case management will identify the needs of the survivors and
recovery obstacles. Case management can assist by pooling resources to address the challenges
these residents face in finding permanent housing. Provision of appropriate social services,
assistance and counseling early in the process will be essential in addition to monitoring the
progress. Obstacles such as unemployment, transportation, childcare, affordable housing options,
education, healthcare, or disability should be identified with a shared goal of addressing the issues
and moving individuals and families to permanent housing.
G. Public, Private, Non‐profit and Faith‐Based Partners With the development and execution of a formal agreement, the VOAD would serve as an essential link among voluntary organizations and faith-based partners to meet to identified needs through
donated volunteer time and resources.
The Emergency Housing Taskforce will consider the following variables when developing the exit
strategy:
1. Ability of residents to find employment and maintain a consistent income
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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2. Availability of affordable permanent housing within the community
3. Ability of residents to locate needed social services such as transportation,
medical care, childcare and schools
4. Ability of residents to finance home repairs, locate necessary supplies and
licensed contractors
5. Ability to restore vital infrastructure within all areas of the community
6. The transfer of vacated manufactured housing units to voluntary
organizations
H. Maintaining Operational Readiness for the Emergency Housing Mission Due to the need for complex decision coordination and the time sensitive nature required in the
Implementation of the Emergency Housing Mission, it is essential to engage in ongoing planning
activities to maintain the operational readiness of the emergency housing program. Preparedness
efforts should include the maintenance of policies, inventories, and vital information needed in the
immediate post-disaster environment including:
• A process for the real-time identification of vacant habitable hotel, motel, and
seasonal units.
• Advance coordination with real estate representatives/property managers for
identification of initial planning, mapping, and design for post-disaster prioritized
vacant lands for potential disaster housing community sites.
• Preparation of emergency authorities related to the Emergency Housing Mission
including expedited permitting procedures, or temporary waiver of zoning
restrictions, which may inhibit the emergency housing mission.
• Ongoing training and exercise of key emergency housing core team members
including temporary roofing program, emergency repairs, temporary housing and
stakeholder coordination with Federal, local government and partners.
• Maintenance of pre-identified emergency housing command and control facilities,
staging areas, data connectivity systems (Client Management System), personnel
inventories, equipment and supplies.
• Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) led by the VIHFA
Emergency Housing Taskforce and supported by the Community Leadership and
Administrators to provide a process for client intake and case management to ensure
residents receive information and resources provided by territory and federal disaster
programs and those available through nonprofit/faith-based partners.
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IV. Housing Strategies It is vital to transition displaced families to a more stable and secure housing alternative in the
aftermath of the disaster. As disaster situations improve, all internal and external partners will focus
their efforts on transitioning displaced residents back to their pre-disaster dwellings or, if those
dwellings cannot be re-inhabited, other permanent housing options.
(*When allowable, schools would be utilized as emergency shelters as reflected in the first phase
of the above flowchart.)
A. Emergency Shelter Operations The Territory of the Virgin Islands has a total of 32 identified risk shelters which serve as
emergency evacuation refuges prior to, during, and, to a limited capacity, in the post-disaster
environment per the Department of Human Services Commissioner, Chair of the Territorial
Emergency Support Function #6 (ESF-6). However, 11 have been designated as the top risk shelter
since these have sufficient capacity and support services to accommodate numerous vulnerable
individuals and families. In addition, these facilities are dispersed throughout the community and
their location is generally known to the immediate community members. All evacuation shelters
in Territory of the Virgin Islands are constructed to meet the Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area
Standard and the American Red Cross 4496 Standard. These facilities can be efficiently secured,
and are handicapped accessible. Risk shelters also have kitchens for meal preparation and
sanitation. These shelters offer limited privacy for the family unit because individualized space is
not practical. Although these shelters can potentially house a large number of people, they should
not be utilized for long-term housing needs due to the need to reopen those facilities, particularly
schools for their primary use. Returning children to school allows parents to return to work, which
represents a vital step in the community recovery process. The following outlines a listing of
potential schools that could be utilized as emergency shelters in the event of a disaster.
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ST.CROIX ST.THOMAS ST. JOHN
PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY
Claude O. Markoe Elementary School Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Bethany Moravian Church, Cruz
Bay
Croix Educational Complex DHS Knud Hansen Complex Julius Sprauve School Main
Campus, Cruz Bay
Herbert E Grigg Home for the Aged Lockhart Elementary School Emmaus Moravian Church, Coral
Bay
SECONDARY Nisky Moravian School SECONDARY
St. Croix Educational Complex
Vocational , Tech & Career Center
Blue Water Bible College Clarice Thomas Annex
Alexander Henderson Elementary School DHS Sugar Estate Multipurpose Center ( Headstart)
Gift Hill School (upper level)
St. Croix Central High School SECONDARY St. John Methodist Church
Alfredo Andrews Elementary School Joseph Sibilly School
Ricardo Richard Elementary School James Monroe School
Elena Christian Junior
High School
St. Ann’s Church
Canegata Ballpark Recreation Center Charlotte Amalie High School
Juanita Gardine Elementary School Frenchtown Community Center
Savan Community Center
Seventh Day Adventist School
Note: Detailed operational procedures for the management of evacuation shelters may be
referenced in the Virgin Islands TEOP and the American Red Cross Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP).
B. Transitional Housing Transitional Housing (also referred to as transitional sheltering) fills the gap between emergency
shelters such as schools, tents, etc., and permanent housing. When emergency shelters are no
longer sufficient or available and traditional interim housing is not yet available, communities may
use transitional housing, which may include:
1. Hotel & Motel Placement
Placement of survivors in hotel/motel accommodations is the preferred and most immediate
transient housing solution. The VI Bureau of Economic Research reported that in the year
2012, the Territory had approximately 46 hotel/motel accommodations with a total capacity of
5,030 rooms, 29 hotels with a total capacity of 3,809 in the St. Thomas/St. John District, and
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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17 hotels with a total capacity of 1,221 in the District of St. Croix. Less common lodging types
may include resort condominiums and resort dwellings that regularly provide rental units more
than three times in a calendar year for periods each lasting less than one calendar month.
The Virgin Islands Department of Tourism will contact all hotel/motel management to
determine their damage status and the availability of rooms as part of the Damage Assessment.
Power will need to be restored in order for the rooms to be available for disaster survivors,
emergency response workers or disaster volunteers. The Department of Tourism will continue
to monitor the status and report to the Emergency Housing Coordinator.
After FEMA activates the Individuals & Household Program assistance can be provided
through the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), which provides direct payment by
FEMA to approved hotels. TSA requires a request by the Territory to be activated.
It is vital to consider the functional needs of the survivors. Priority placement of persons with
disabilities and access and functional needs clients should be given to handicap accessible units
within hotels/motels. Another consideration in the placement process is survivors with pets.
Hotels and motels may choose to temporarily waive their prohibitions against pets during the
initial disaster period. The Virgin Islands Department of Tourism should determine this when
contact is made regarding status and room availability.
2. Rapid Temporary Roofing and Repairs
The Territory of the Virgin Islands Commissioner of Public Works or as directed by the
Governor will execute activation of the Territory of the Virgin Islands Temporary Roofing
Program. At the Territory’s request, tarps may be provided through FEMA or the USACE Blue
Roof Program. The USACE liaison and their trained contract staff will report directly to the
Director of VITEMA, who will coordinate the blue roof mission for the community. Under this
program, USACE will coordinate the installation of plastic sheeting to provide a safe, shelter
in place option for impacted families and individuals. These tarps are provided as temporary
roof coverings (i.e. blue tarps) to cover damaged roofs in areas that are not heavily populated
and to assist homeowners who need assistance with installing plastic sheeting.
Another shelter-in-place option that is available is the Rapid Temporary Repair (RTR)
Program, which differs from the temporary roofing or “Blue-Roof” program. At the Territory’s
request, this program makes RTR to doors and windows to allow sheltering until permanent
repairs can be made. RTR includes clearing debris to gain access to the homeowner’s home
and removing debris from the roof. It also uses specially adapted plywood materials to enclose
damaged windows and primary entry doors. The Blue Roof and RTR Mission require the
following actions:
a) Identify and Prioritize: Upon completion of the initial damage assessment
process, teams will identify and prioritize severely impacted geographic
regions within the Territory of the Virgin Islands.
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b) Installation: Personnel will be tasked with applying the tarps to damaged
roofs in the most severely impacted areas, first on single and multi-family
homes with asphalt or shingle-type roof covering.
c) Right of Entry: In order for the contractor to install tarps, homeowners
must complete a right of entry form.
d) Information Coordination: A daily briefing will be conducted providing
a status update of the number and location of temporary roof installations
conducted.
e) Staffing: The USACE also collaborates with local partners to assist in the
Blue Roof Mission. DPNR, Divisions of Permits, Coastal Zone
Management, and Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning working with
Emergency Support Function #6 (ESF-6) Volunteers and Donations, may
identify and train volunteers to support the Rapid Temporary Repair and
Blue Roof Mission.
f) Bulk Distribution: If necessary, the EOC may decide to distribute temporary
roof coverings to citizens with significant roof damage after a large-scale
disaster. If the roof coverings are provided to the community for distribution
from Territorial and or federal resources, then the supplies will be received
at the community staging area and distributed to local points of distribution
(PODS) throughout the community, as supplies are available. Residents will
be able to pick-up these Territorial/Federally supplied resources at their
closest point of distribution.
3. Community Centers (Congregate Shelters)
Facilities such as community centers may be altered to provide additional space and privacy.
These locations, as outlined below, may be beneficial for short-term solutions, but generally
do not provide a suitable long-term housing solution for families.
C. Interim Housing Interim housing is provided during the intermediate period, generally up to 18 months or the
maximum amount of available financial assistance. This allows emergency sheltering and the
securing of a permanent housing solution for the disaster survivor. Interim housing solutions should
refocus on strategies that provide safe, sanitary, and functional housing for individuals and families.
Options for interim housing vary greatly and may include, but not limited to the following:
1. Private Rental Properties
Based upon vacancy rates and affordability, rental properties may be available as
temporary housing for survivors. Initially, eligible applicants receive two months of rental
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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assistance with the ability to qualify for additional assistance. The amount of rental
assistance is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by US Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and may be viewed at
http://portal.hud.gov/app_nhls on the National Housing Locator (NHL). The NHL is a
searchable, web-based clearinghouse of available rental housing available only after a
disaster.
Effective July 2013, the Virgin Islands’ FMR as defined by HUD, represent rents for
typical modest apartments by the number of bedrooms per Districts, and are as follow:
District of St. Croix
Unit Size by #
of bedrooms
0
1
2
3
4
5
Rates
$765.00
$798.00
$957.00
$1,207.00
$1,381.00
$1,588.00
District of St. Thomas/St. John
Unit Size by #
of bedrooms
0
1
2
3
4
5
Rates
$740.00
$920.00
$1,184.00
$1,467.00
$1,534.00
$1,764.00
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the policy of FMR was redefined to include not only
the HUD stipulated FMR but to also include the cost of any transportation, utility hook-
ups, or unit installation. With the most recent response to Hurricane Sandy security deposit
may be considered proof of appropriate usage for one-month rent at the approved FMR rate
if receipts are submitted indicating payment of a security deposit. The deposit may include
a pet deposit fee, but usage cannot exceed one month.
Depending upon the time of year, the Territory of the Virgin Islands may have an influx of
available properties. The late spring to early fall months tend to have the most available
units; therefore, in preparation for a disaster, it would be highly valuable to identify
properties that are typically vacant during this period. Data related to vacant rental and
seasonal property can be located at numerous sources including:
1. The community property appraiser, which has a database listing all
commercial income-producing properties
Territory of the Virgin Islands December Emergency Housing Plan 2015
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2. Property management companies who maintain comprehensive lists of
properties that is available for rent
3. Realtors who have access to multiple listing databases
2. University - Student Housing In the event of a disaster, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) may be an option for
temporary house survivors. Within a calendar year, a large number of the campus housing
units are left unoccupied from mid-May to early August. UVI has two campuses, one in
each District, which may be evaluated for utilization in the post-disaster environment. If
deemed necessary, available, and permissible for use, the Territory of the Virgin Islands
would establish an agreement with the University, as well as the Emergency Housing Lead,
VIHFA, in order to utilize a share of the unoccupied housing units during the low
occupancy months. Once an agreement has been established, these facilities may be used
as an interim housing solution for displaced survivors.
Currently, UVI estimates that an average of 70% of dormitory spaces during the low-
occupancy months could potentially be made available. Both campuses have self-
contained water treatment facilities, which make these locations ideal for temporary
housing.
3. Existing Government-Owned Emergency Housing
VIHFA/VIHM has a number of residential housing units that may be use in the transitional
stage for emergency housing. Most permanent housing communities are at capacity and
have a waiting list for qualified potential residents. If the emergency housing units are
deemed safe and habitable without significant damages, VIHM can house families
accordingly in the below outlined facilities.
St. Croix District
Target Neighborhoods and Units
Target Neighborhood Efficiency 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms Anna’s Hope Apts. 8 8
Campo Rico Apts 16 Profit Apts. 8 4 Total 8 20 8 8
St. Thomas/St. John District
Target Neighborhoods and Units
Target Neighborhood Efficiency 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms
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Staabiland Apts. 2 1 Charolette Apts. 2 24 Ross Taarneberg Apts. 3 18 3
Total 2 5 43 3
4. Soft-sided Shelter Options (Tent) If persons displaced from their homes by a disaster cannot be accommodated in existing
shelters and/or vacant residential units, VITEMA may request that FEMA establish tent
cities to meet temporary emergency housing needs. A tent city is a self-contained
community where all basic human needs can be met. Facilities may include potable water
trucks, restroom trailers, shower trailers, laundry trailers, a recreation/school structure, and
an administrative structure. Other items such as telephone banks, ATM machines,
convenience stores, and a post office could also be provided on-site. Law enforcement and
fire-rescue services would be provided on a 24-hour basis by local government or through
mutual aid. Depending on the magnitude of demand for housing units and the amenities
furnished, tent cities can require up to 46 acres of open space.
Due to Territory of the Virgin Islands vulnerability to repeated disaster impacts (e.g.
multiple hurricanes within the same season), it is preferable to identify temporary disaster
housing options which continue to provide the highest degree of public safety as possible.
Many soft-sided options may not have high wind load thresholds. The preferred option is
the large prefabricated, clear span, aluminum and specialized fabric structures. This option
may provide an increased level of wind loading capability and public safety protection.
Similarly, it is preferable to provide air-conditioned tents and individual 12' by 12' walled
units with single doors for each resident household. Based upon the American Red Cross
guidelines for long-term housing, this would provide 240 square feet per household, or 60
square feet per person for a household of four persons. The complete tent city should be
ready for occupancy within three to six weeks from time of activation. Although a tent city
will adequately provide for all basic housing-related needs, it is generally recognized as the
least desirable temporary housing alternative, and it would be employed only in a disaster
of tremendous magnitude that resulted in temporary housing needs exceeding the capacity
of all other feasible alternatives.
D. Direct Housing (Factory Built Housing) A direct housing mission may include placing manufactured housing units on private sites to
enable homeowners to remain on their properties while they repair and/or rebuild their permanent
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residence. Temporary housing units may also be placed in pre-existing commercial parks to
accommodate renters or owners without a feasible place for a unit. VITEMA and American Red
Cross, in coordination with FEMA will determine priorities for placement of individuals and
households. For individuals who do not request temporary housing initially, financial assistance
(rental assistance) would be provided before Direct Housing Assistance. If applicants are found
eligible, they will be contacted by FEMA for a Pre-Placement Interview (PPI). The time between
determining eligibility and a PPI varies based on time/date registered, number of people affected
and assessment of local temporary housing options.
Direct housing is used only when all other housing options, including financial assistance for rent,
transitional shelters, and relocation, have been exhausted or are unreasonable. When determining
which populations have precedence to ensure that everyone is housed in a manner best suited for
their individual needs, the Emergency Housing Taskforce may consider the following:
a) Medical Needs: Any person who may not remain in optimum health in a
shelter or other emergency facility. Such persons may include those
dependent upon oxygen or dialysis equipment. However, disaster survivors
with medical needs should not be provided with housing until the services
they need to assist them are available. One consideration for housing
locations is proximity to facilities that will assist in meeting their medical
needs.
b) Accessibility Requirements: As outlined in the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standards (UFAS), a compliance checklist is used to
determine accessibility, and strategic consideration is given to the number
of UFAS-compliant units that will be required as well as which residents
will be placed specifically into UFAS-compliant units.
http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ASTAND/ufas1.pdf
c) Court Restrictions: Although FEMA may not discriminate in housing
applicants, court orders take precedence. Applicants with court orders
excluding them from living in proximity to specified groups or individuals
may not be suitable for housing in a community site. Special housing
arrangements will need to be provided, and the local government and its
partners should be engaged to help facilitate the placement of these
applicants.
d) Disaster-Dependent Considerations: Considerations may be made for
first responders or any person who has a need to remain in the community
to help in the response and recovery for the event. Such persons may include
police, firefighters, medical staff, and other emergency personnel.
1. Direct Housing on Private Lot
The preferred method of providing Direct Housing Assistance is to install factory built
housing units (e.g. modular homes, manufactured homes, etc.) on approved private
lots and temporarily connect it to existing utilities. This allows homeowners to remain
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within close proximity to their home during the repair and rebuilding process, and
allows children to remain within their existing schools and daycare centers. Direct
housing on private lots provides survivor’s access to their customary social setting,
existing medical services, and retailers. This strategy takes advantage of the existing
infrastructure capacities for the community. The Emergency Housing Strategy’s goal is
to place up to 70% of the direct housing mission on survivors’ private property. This
may be a reasonable goal given that approximately 47% of the Territory’s overall
population owns their homes.
A number of environmental and regulatory obstacles may hinder the implementation
of this strategy. Some communities within the Territory of the Virgin Islands are deed
restricted or gated communities with restrictive homeowner association policies, which
limit where a factory built housing unit may be placed and how long this unit may
remain onsite. Homeowner associations would make the decision to waive any
restrictions limiting the use of factory built housing units on private homeowner lots.
Some communities lie within flood zones; therefore, placement of factory built housing
units is generally not recommended unless catastrophic level conditions mandate
extreme measures.
Basic steps should be followed when the delivery of a factory built housing unit on a
private lot is warranted:
1) The governing body from neighborhood associations, in
conjunction with the Territory’s regulations, will allow for
the placement of factory-built homes provided there is
adequate space to place the temporary housing on the site.
2) The individual must contact the local utility companies to get
hook-ups prepared.
2. Direct Housing on Business and Commercially-Owned Property Economic redevelopment is vital to community restoration in the aftermath of a large-
scale disaster. The business community must immediately resume activities in order to
provide necessary goods and services to the residents. When feasible, business owners
may choose to place manufactured housing units on their commercial property in order
to permit employees and their families to continue to work. While it is preferable to
place all manufactured housing units on privately owned residential lots, many
employees may not have this option. Some employees may not own a residential lot,
having the ability to safely access their home or business site, or other public safety or
utility challenges preclude this option. On a case-by-case basis, the Territory of the
Virgin Islands may choose to temporarily waive zoning restrictions on business and
commercial property to allow for short-term disaster-housing options.
In a worst-case scenario when all other temporary housing resources are exhausted,
various commercial or industrial structures may be suitable for conversion to temporary
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housing. In addition, partially developed or undeveloped commercial/industrial
properties may be suitable for the placement of manufactured housing units. Vacant
office space in surrounding businesses may serve as an appropriate means for
temporarily housing individuals if manufactured homes prove to be overly problematic.
The Territory of the Virgin Islands will make every effort to consider these options in
their housing strategy.
3. Direct Housing on Community Sites
Direct housing may be placed in community site configurations. As a last resort, direct
housing is used only when all other housing options, including financial assistance for
rent, transitional shelters, and relocation, have been exhausted or are unreasonable.
Upon thorough examination of available resources, the Territory of the Virgin Islands
in partnership with State and Federal agencies may decide that the development of
community sites may be the best available option to meet the needs of displaced renters
or homeowners who cannot place a manufactured housing unit on their private property.
VI Department of Property and Procurement maintains a list of public owned properties
and vacant land, which may be evaluated for potential use as community sites. These
resources are listed and included in Appendix XII. In addition to the resource listings
in this appendix, the Territory of the Virgin Islands also identifies, maps, and monitors
the availability of other housing and land resources that may be used for community
sites. As funds and resources permit, the Territory of the Virgin Islands will conduct
preliminary evaluations and rank the properties most likely to be used. Territory of the
Virgin Islands understands that the final selection of actual community site locations
will be based upon the magnitude of the disaster, the geographic location of the most
severely impacted areas, and economic and political considerations in the immediate
post-disaster environment.
On an annual basis, the Territory of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with other
agencies, should consider the evaluation of prospective properties, which could be used
as community sites in the aftermath of a disaster. The following organizations have
information to support the property inventory: Office to the Lt. Governor Tax
Assessor/Property Appraiser Office, School Board by Districts, and the VIHFA. As
potential sites are evaluated for construction, site feasibility, accessibility specifications,
environmental and historic preservation, licensing/permitting/building codes, climate
and seasonal requirements are taken into consideration.
a) Land Leasing - Priority should be placed on utilizing properties owned by Federal and
local, governments in an effort to reduce costs. Once a site is chosen and acquired, a
memorandum of understanding shall be executed between FEMA and the government
detailing the land use and duration as a community site. A lease may also be initiated
between private landowners upon determination that publicly owned land is unavailable
or infeasible. The Territory of the Virgin Islands will assist in identifying viable sites
for FEMA or the General Services Administration (GSA) to lease from the
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private landowner. Leasing options that can be used to provide permanent housing for
individuals and/or that may be converted into permanent ownership for future
development, such as a permanent manufactured home park or residential subdivisions,
are preferred. There may be incentives for private land developers and owners to work
with the community, Territory, and FEMA officials to utilize these properties. If FEMA
agrees to provide infrastructure, it will remain and can be used after the community site
is deactivated. Terms can often be negotiated which compensate the government for any
permanent repairs or upgrades.
b) Site Selection Size - It is less desirable to place a large emergency housing site on a
single, large piece of property. Smaller sites of about four to five acres each are
preferable. The preferred manufactured home size is 14' X 60,' which would allow six
to ten units to be placed per acre. Trailer emergency community sites can consider
using 8' X 32' trailers to allow five acres per 100 trailers.
c) Zoning and Local Compliance – DPNR, Divisions of Building Permits, Coastal Zone
Management, Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning, and Environmental
Protection would work in partnership to evaluate and considered proper land use. When
a site is identified and upon approval by the local government, DPNR will streamline
the permitting and site development processes. Regulatory considerations such as storm
water, water discharge, air quality, waste disposal, and building codes should be
addressed. Sufficient coordination, research and pre-planning serve as effective tools in
verifying compliance prior to site construction.
d) Host Community Considerations - Locate community sites within, or in close proximity
to an affected community to allow the return of survivors to their communities, promote
community recovery, and avoid adverse impacts on the tax base of the community.
e) Utilities - Adequate utilities are essential and an evaluation must be made as to whether
the electrical, water and septic systems are capable of supporting a fully operational
community site for the duration of the interim housing period. If it is determined that
any of these systems are incapable of sustaining operations, plans must be made to
either upgrade or replace the affected elements. The most efficient locations to consider
for site placement are sites that previously supported a manufactured home or other
form of temporary housing. Paved areas with above ground utilities, business parks,
and/or airports should also be considered. If a site is being constructed, in an area that
has not previously been used for supporting housing, significant infrastructure upgrades
and construction may be necessary, and site factors may necessitate the construction of
facilities such as sewage lift stations, electrical substations, and utility corridors.
f) Maintenance and Occupant Recertification - Maintenance of manufactured housing
units and recertification of the occupants is accomplished by FEMA. The recertification
process allows FEMA to review the occupants’ plans for permanent housing and
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determine the continued need for temporary housing. These individuals are visited
periodically, up to every three months, at their temporary home preceded with many
follow-ups by means of telephone calls when applicable.
g) Essential Services - Proximity to essential services such as fire, police, medical, and
education services is a prime concern when selecting probable community site
locations. Accessibility requirements must also be considered such as access to
transportation and bus lines, senior shuttles for shopping, and other needs.
h) Environmental Hazards and Considerations - In addition to the criteria for
environmental preservation and environmental hazards, other factors that may
contribute to inadequate living conditions should be considered. This includes distance
away from wet areas as well as mosquito, snake, and rodent infested areas. FEMA in
partnership with DPNR, Division of Environmental Protection should ensure that soil
tests are conducted and the results analyzed prior to construction. This helps ensure that
proper excavation, backfill/refill, and compaction measures are taken throughout the
site to prevent sub-base failure. Topography should be considered to comply with
Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) requirements. Typically, open flat
areas provide the most effective and usable community sites.
i) Wrap-Around Services - Beyond basic housing, residents may require extensive
human support services including public transportation assistance, official document
replacement, job counseling, mental health services, mail services, emergency and
healthcare services, activities for children, storage, trash collection, security, and
outdoor recreation. When possible, social services such as shopping, public
transportation (including para-transit services), consumer services, and utilities should
be provided by existing systems. Remote locations may require supplementary public
transportation to schools, jobs, and shopping. If retail trade is seriously affected, mobile
services may be required to deliver food and other goods. Laundry facilities must be
assessable to site residents who may have to launder their remaining items more
frequently. Additional on-site facilities such as recreation and communal spaces should
be provided within all but smaller sites. Recreation and social services such as daycare
should also be accessible.
Working together in collaboration, organizations should be ready to respond to requests
for wrap-around services for temporary housing residents. The Federal, local,
voluntary, and private sectors will work together to determine the required essential and
social services. Planning considerations should include:
1. Site Security and Safety – Public Safety, Site Security, Traffic Redirection and
Restoration of Access
2. Infrastructure to Support Site – Public Utilities/Public Works, Public
Transportation, Recycling and Solid Waste
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3. Centralized Services/Mass Care – Access to Healthcare/Medical Services,
Counseling, Employment, Business and Legal Services, Food Availability,
Laundry Facilities, Retail
4. Community and Family Support – Community Services, Childcare
Playgrounds/Pet Areas
V. Roles and Responsibilities for Jurisdictional Agencies and Organizations
In the aftermath of a disaster, a detailed delineation of roles and responsibilities should be assigned
to community organizations. As detailed below, assigned roles and responsibilities should be
further defined within organizational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and
guidelines. Each agency is responsible for assigning and training their internal personnel to fulfill
the assigned responsibilities.
A. Emergency Housing Taskforce Composition The Emergency Housing Taskforce focuses on the housing needs of displaced disaster survivors
while planning for and implementing the four phases of emergency housing. Appendix XIII allows
for a detail listing of members. A composition of representatives on the Emergency Housing
Taskforce is as follow:
• American Red Cross representative
• Board of Realtors
• Department of Education
• Department of Health
• Department of Human Services
• Department of Planning and Natural Resources
• Department of Public Works
• Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation
• Department of Tourism
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Fire Services
• Office of the Governor
• Office of the Lt. Governor, Tax Assessor/Property Appraiser
• Police Department
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• US Department of Agriculture
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development
• VI Housing Authority
• VI Housing Finance Authority
• VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency
• Voluntarily Organization Active in Disaster.
• Waste Management Authority
• Water and Power Authority
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B. Taskforce Membership Roles Defined
1. Long-Term Recovery Organization:
Under the direction of the Commissioner, Department of Human Services, or designee, the
organization will oversee all long-term recovery actions. They will promote the case
management process. The organization should also support the long-term recovery needs of
disaster survivors and coordinate with all non-profit and faith-based organizations in the
Territory of the Virgin Islands to support recovery efforts and expedite the transition back to
not only permanent housing, but also secure, safe and sanitary conditions. They will coordinate
with the VITEMA and VIHFA, FEMA, and the USACE to activate emergency housing
resources. The Chair will coordinate policy decisions with the Unified Command and
coordinate the execution of all necessary executive orders in support of the Emergency Housing
Mission.
2. Department of Human Services and Department of Health:
All health and human service agencies will provides assistance as applicable. These agencies
provide staff from other divisions and departments as needed to ensure a rapid-recovery
process. Efforts may include, but are not limited to the use of parks personnel, escalation of
animal care services, and augmentation of administrative support to the Department of Health.
Further assistance can be extended to daycare or day camp operations.
3. Housing Finance Authority:
The Executive Director/CEO, or designee, will assume a leadership role in coordinating the
Emergency Housing Mission. This position provides executive leadership for the development,
approval, and execution of all aspects of the emergency housing strategy (before, during, and
after a large-scale disaster). Preparedness efforts include coordination with all public, private,
and non-profit stakeholders for maintenance, update, and exercise of this strategy and all
associated data and site-specific information. The Executive Director/CEO, or designee, will
provide leadership to the Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan team. The Executive
Director/CEO, or designee, should also expand normal program elements and develop or
enhance an existing client management system to meet the needs of the Emergency Housing
Mission. If required, the VITEMA Director, long-term recovery organization members,
contractors and non-profits should provide support to address transitional and long-term
housing needs.
4. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Identify and survey emergency community sites within the park system and support
implementation of the emergency housing strategy.
5. Departments of Public Works and Planning and Natural Resources, and US Army Corps
of Engineer: The Commissioner, Department of Public Works, in partnership the DPNR and the USACE
will provide assistance in all facets of damage assessments, regulations, and future expeditious
placement of temporary housing initiatives. This position will manage the Blue Roof Mission,
and support the implementation of all emergency housing strategies. The DPNR Commissioner
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will ensure that permitting related issues damage assessments, and habitability assessments are
coordinated, make available all resources, and support staff to address land use planning
regulations and pre- disaster planning. Annually, DPNR administrators will evaluate and revise
local building codes and land use regulations to reflect the emergency housing strategy. Public
Works’ administrators will also monitor potential usage of future Planned Unit Development
that are near completion or completed for use as emergency housing sites in conjunction with
the Executive Director/CEO of Housing Finance Authority and the Commissioner Human
Services Director, or their designees.
6. Water and Power Authority:
Evaluate the infrastructure support needs and designate sites including manufactured home
parks, which may be used as emergency housing sites. The Public Utilities Division will
coordinate with the territory and federal partners in the design, installation, and restoration of
all infrastructures in support of the Emergency Housing Mission.
7. Water and Power Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Annually survey emergency housing sites by evaluating infrastructure needs onsite and the
capacity needed for sustaining populations. Water and Power Authority will support and
provide technical assistance to the USACE and contractors in evaluating and implementing
support infrastructure for designated emergency housing sites.
8. The Police Department:
Provide coordination among all stakeholders on the Federal, and local levels of government.
The Department will ensure that information and resources are effectively integrated for
supporting the Emergency Housing Mission before, during, and after a disaster.
9. VI Territory Emergency Management Agency:
Coordinates all communications with the media, maintains the community website with current
information and updates Public Service Announcements (PSAs) as necessary.
10. VI Territory Emergency Management Agency and Department of Human Services:
Provides assistance such as manpower, equipment, information technology services
(computer, phone, fax, etc) to assist with client intake needs, call center needs and services,
and grant/administrative personnel.
11. Department of Education:
A representative from the School District will annually evaluate the list of vacant properties
owned by the School District to determine continued applicability for use in the Emergency
Housing Mission. The School District may support the evaluation and design of community
site locations in coordination with the Community, Territory, and Federal partners.
12. The Fire Service:
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The Fire Marshall, or designee, will ensure compliance with all fire code regulations and
support the expedited permitting process during the planning review process.
13. Police Department:
The Police Department under a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) will provide
security at emergency community housing sites and at emergency shelters when not under
contract with other service providers.
14. Office of the Lt. Governor, Tax Assessor/Property Appraiser Office:
Support the identification of residential, commercial, and public properties, which may be
evaluated for emergency housing community sites. The Property Appraiser also supports the
post-disaster damage assessment process.
15. Departments of Health and Planning & Natural Resources, and Waste Management
Authority:
Implements emergency procedures for the issuance of permits for manufactured housing placed
in community sites. The Department of Health in coordination with the DPNR, and Waste
Management, will also ensure implementation and expediency of the permitting process and
policies that will detail requirements for the waiving of rules associated with garbage,
sewage, water, and setback rules on lots below daily size requirements, as permitted by the
Governor’s executive order.
16. Department of Health:
The Department will coordinate the provision of emergency medical healthcare services in
support of the emergency housing mission.
17. Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC):
Implements the shelter strategy and support survivor placement during the interim housing
process. The ARC supports emergency housing demand estimates and long-term client
management.
18. Board of Realtors:
Coordinates with real estate services in the identification, coordination, and placement of
displaced survivors into vacant residential structures. The board will support the identification
of vacant structures and properties, which may be utilized in the emergency housing mission.
19. Affiliated Volunteers:
In Territory of the Virgin Islands faith-based groups and unaffiliated volunteers coordinate
initially through the local EOC, VITEMA, and Emergency Support Functions #6 (ESF-6).
Groups include Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and the Voluntarily
Organization Active in Disaster. These groups may provide critical resources to the Emergency
Housing Mission throughout all phases of the disaster, from the initial emergency roofing
mission to the final housing reconstruction and placement. Representatives from faith-based
and voluntary organizations may be invited to participate in Emergency Housing Taskforce
discussions. Faith-based organizations and volunteers may support case management
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functions. Many of these organizations may provide housing resources such as land or housing
units. An in-depth listing of resources, departments’/organizations' roles and responsibilities
could be found in Appendix XIV.
VI. Regulatory Obstacles for Emergency Housing
A. Local Regulatory Environment While long-term public safety, environmental protection, and historical preservation objectives
cannot be compromised, temporary disaster actions should be permitted within an appropriate
context. Significant timesavings may be achieved through pre-planning and the identification and
temporary emergency modification of these regulatory authorities, as appropriate.
In order to expedite the emergency housing mission, the Territory of the Virgin Islands would
implement a number of emergency procedures and regulatory approaches that can be used in
disaster recovery operations. Another option that Territory of the Virgin Islands has is to
incorporate emergency regulatory language into the Land Development Code, Emergency
Management Plan, and/or Administrative Code to address emergency housing issues.
1. Emergency Executive Orders
In the aftermath of a disaster, Territory of the Virgin Islands leadership may choose to implement
an executive order to address emergency housing issues. However, it is important to note that the
passage of any legal action in the aftermath of a disaster can be challenging due to disruption of
government continuity, absence of vital members of the leadership, and challenges to meeting
transparency requirements. While Territory of the Virgin Islands leadership and residents may not
be willing to endorse various emergency housing strategies in minor events, the severity of the
events may prompt a different response. Regulatory actions, therefore, may similarly require
modification based upon the magnitude and severity of the disaster (tiered). It may not be possible
to waive or relax Federal and Territorial regulations, though close coordination should occur among
all regulatory stakeholders. Many of these issues may best be addressed in the Post Disaster
Redevelopment Plan (PDRP). The following is a list of regulatory actions, which were evaluated
in Territory of the Virgin Islands:
➢ Building and Land Development Code
➢ Expedited Permitting Process
➢ Consideration of flood zoning restrictions through the Flood Prevention
Ordinance
➢ Environmental requirements relating to air pollution, fuel storage, water use,
solid and hazardous waste disposal, sewage disposal, etc.
➢ National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 501 A: Standard for Fire Safety
➢ Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites and Communities
2. VI TEOP, Building Code and Land Development Code
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The review of the local Virgin Islands TEOP, the Building Code, and the Zoning Ordinance in the
Land Development Code provides the opportunity for modifications in expanding the diversity of
emergency housing options. In reviewing each of the categories, it can be determined the zoning
or land use categories in permitting temporary housing. Modifications to the Land Development
Code may not be possible due to political challenges, which the Territorial leadership may
consider.
3. Flood Prevention Ordinance
In compliance with requirements set forth in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the
Territory of the Virgin Islands has enacted and enforced floodplain management ordinances as
required. This ordinance prohibits practices that are dangerous to health, safety and property due
to water and erosion hazards, or those which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood
heights and velocities. The placement of manufactured housing units within the flood zone should
be conducted in compliance with specifications set out in the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
(Optional: The development of a modified Flood Prevention Ordinance may be necessary to define
and allow emergency housing within the floodplain under appropriate circumstances.)
4. NFPA 501 A: Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home
Installations, Sites, and Communities This standard provides minimum requirements for the installation of manufactured homes and
manufactured home sites, including accessory buildings, structures, and communities. The
standard addresses fuel supply, including gas and oil, Electrical Systems, Life Safety and Fire
Safety. When developing a site plan, the standard requires the inclusion of numerous components
in section 6.1.1.3 of NFPA 501A.
B. Expedited Permitting Process The close coordination between the DPNR, the Department of Health, and FEMA is needed to
expedite permitting issues related to the implementation of the Emergency Housing Mission.
Regardless of the type of manufactured unit or location of the manufactured unit, rapid and
effective intergovernmental coordination is essential. Existing Manufactured Home Parks that are
being expanded and new emergency housing community sites that are built must be inspected and
permitted by the local building department, the local health department, and by FEMA. All parties
may agree to a modified permitting process to ensure new parks have all the necessary
requirements and existing parks can handle any increases in capacity. For infill sites, a life safety
inspection would be conducted to include the following elements:
• Resident name, address, phone, and FEMA registration number
• Electric and, if necessary, gas
• Setback requirements from one trailer to another (exposure
distances)
• Sanitary services
• Water services
• Other, to be determined
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For new sites, the following items must be evaluated and implemented among emergency housing
support agencies. Some sites may be pre-identified, while others are not.
• Life safety inspection
• Infrastructure design
• Water lines
• Master electrical distribution
• Feeding each manufactured home
• Fire protection
• Sewer lines
• A Development Committee Review is also required
C. Homeowner Association Regulations Homeowner and condominium associations may place restrictions on the use of the property
within their jurisdiction. Homeowner associations are governed by Nonprofit Corporations Statute
Chapter language and condominium associations are governed by 28 VI Code, Chapter 33§901-
927 as amended. These associations may limit the time of residency for seasonal users, which may
be applicable to emergency housing residents.
If the rentals extend into the high tourist season, then property owners may not want disaster
survivors on the property. Many condominium homeowner associations do not allow pets or
children. Association approval may be required to modify these restrictions and limitations. In
some cases, Associations may not have the authority to waive certain policies without a formal
process. The Territory of the Virgin Islands encourages all homeowner associations and
condominium associations to support the placement of displaced persons to the greatest extent
possible to avoid the permanent relocation of populations to other areas. When evaluating the use
of condominiums and apartments, persons with access and functional needs such as mobility
impairments should receive priority access to first floor units and other units that are handicap
accessible.
D. Emergency Codes The Territory of the Virgin Islands has established codes, rules and regulations, to address
emergency housing issues. For additional information, reference Appendix XV.
VII. Special Topics
A. Accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act compliance) Territory of the Virgin Islands acknowledges the challenges faced by those with access and
functional needs. The community will strive to meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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requirements as listed in the Authorities section. Accessibility and placement issues for access and
functional needs populations will be a priority focus in the client management process. The
Territory of the Virgin Islands will coordinate with individuals and/or organizations that have
knowledge and expertise of ADA regulations and requirements, such as building code enforcement,
local housing authorities, as well as representatives from the ADA’s Technical Assistance Program.
B. Pets and Service Animals The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act of 2006 (PETS) requires that state and local
emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets
and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. The Territory of the Virgin Islands
recognizes that pet ownership may be a significant factor in the placement of displaced survivors.
While pets may be permitted in certain housing options, they may be prohibited in various
condominiums, apartments, hotels, and/or community sites. The Virgin Islands TEOP details
various pet services, which may be provided through Emergency Support Function #17 (ESF-17).
However, the ability to place animals in long-term care is severely limited in Territory of the Virgin
Islands and further options may become necessary.
The animal care entities support post-disaster pet sheltering. The entities will be challenged to
meet the additional resource needs necessary for post-disaster missions while simultaneously
returning to normal operations. There are a limited number of nonprofit/private shelters within the
Territory that may be able to support post-disaster pet shelter needs. They are as follow:
✓ Shelter Name: St. Croix Animal Welfare Center
Address: 32 Estate Clifton Hill, Kingshill, VI
Phone number: 340-778-1650
✓ Shelter Name: Humane Society of St. Thomas
Address: 26-A Estate Nadir, St. Thomas, VI
Phone number: 340- 775-0599
✓ Shelter Name: Animal Care Center of St. John
Address: 300 Enighed, Cruz Bay, St. John, VI
Phone number: 340- 774-1625
C. Affordable Housing Issues Low-income housing units in Territory of the Virgin Islands are located in several sections of the
community. Historically, these homes have not been susceptible to disasters such as Category 5
Hurricanes, and are generally not vulnerable as a result of their construction. However, the
infrastructure and storm water management systems in these areas are similarly vulnerable to high
winds and heavy rainfall. Families residing in these areas generally lack the financial and
institutional resources to recover independently in the aftermath of a large-scale disaster. Within
Territory of the Virgin Islands, the two districts contain blocks or areas with a 20 percent or greater
concentration of low-income populations. Below poverty level households, may pose greater need
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for housing assistance following a major or catastrophic disaster event/incident. The referenced
housing communities are as listed:
St. Croix District
Target Neighborhoods and Number of Units
Target Neighborhood # of Units
Alphonso Gerard Complex (VIHA) 26
Auero Diaz Heights (VIHA) 100
Bethlehem Village (VIHFA) 96
Candido Guadalupe (VIHA) 90
D Hamilton Jackson Terrance (VIHA) 110
Estate Anna’s Hope (VIHFA) 16
Estate Campo Rico (VIHFA) 16
Estate Profit (VIHFA) 12
Estate Profit Hills (VIHFA) 99
John F Kennedy Terrace (VIHA) 200
Joseph E James (VIHA) 34
Lagoon Street Apartments (VIHFA) 60
Louis E Brown Villas (VIHA) 77
Ludvig Harrigan Courts (VIHA) 70
Marley Homes (VIHA) 94
Mt. Pleasant (VIHA) 44
Paradise Mills (VIHFA) 52
Ruby M. Rouse (VIHFA) 114
Walter I M Hodge Pavilion (VIHA) 250
Wilfred Pedro Homes (VIHA) 98
Williams Delight (VIHA) 286
Total 1,944
St. Thomas/St. John District
Target Neighborhoods and Number of Units
Target Neighborhood # of Units
Charolette Apartments (VIHFA) 26
Estate Bovoni (VIHA) 366
Estate Tutu (VIHA) 305
HH Bergs Home (VIHA) 74
The Knolls at Contant (VIHA) 96
Lucinda Millin Home (VIHA) 85
Michael J Kirwan Terrance(VIHA) 126
Oswald Harris Court (VIHA) 300
Paul M Pearson Gardens (VIHA) 120
Total 1,498
Many low-income families reside in rental properties and are reliant upon available, affordable
rental units. There is no guarantee that rental properties will be rebuilt as affordable rental units
post-disaster. Units that are rebuilt will meet new building code and design standards, which may
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invariably increase rental rates. These factors create a challenging environment for low-income
populations to locate affordable housing options. VITEMA is aware of the need to continue to
promote affordable housing options in the aftermath of a large-scale disaster and will work closely
with the Emergency Housing Taskforce to identify displaced survivors who may require additional
support during the transition from interim to permanent housing. Congress may appropriate
supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through HUD, to help
communities recover from major federally declared disasters. Supplemental appropriation provides
for grants to states, including the Territory, to be administered by each jurisdiction in conjunction
with its CDBG program. HUD analyzes needs data and determines grant allocations. These funds
may provide an avenue for supporting the redevelopment of affordable housing opportunities in
Territory of the Virgin Islands.
D. Abandonment and Urban Blight After a major disaster, some residents may choose not to return to their homes or lack the necessary
funds to repair them. Many damaged commercial spaces may remain damaged and vacant as
tenants go out of business or relocate to suitable locations and newer buildings. This can result in
sporadic blight throughout the community. Blight abatement after a major disaster could be beyond
the capability of traditional code enforcement procedures. The PDRP should address strategies for
reducing the potential for blight, such as protocols for the demolition of destroyed structures and
opportunities to streamline the process so that unsafe structures do not remain and displaced
residents can transition back to permanent homes as quickly as possible.
E. Health Issues (Mold remediation, soil contamination, formaldehyde etc.) The health effects of formaldehyde in manufactured housing units have raised issues of concern
from past disasters. FEMA gives each impacted state the authority to set acceptable limits of
formaldehyde within manufactured housing units supplied for use as interim housing. HUD
standards place limits on formaldehyde emissions and product certification of all plywood and
particleboard materials, which involves emission certification by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory and a written quality control plan for each plant where particleboard is produced or
finished or where the plywood is finished. These standards have been required by HUD for
manufactured homes, and now FEMA's specifications have incorporated these standards for travel
trailers. FEMA tests every manufactured home for formaldehyde before using them as temporary
housing. Formaldehyde affects individuals in the following manner:
➢ Age - Formaldehyde exposure can cause illness in children and the elderly.
If children or elderly individuals are in the manufactured home, it is
important to reduce their exposure to formaldehyde.
➢ Health conditions - Formaldehyde irritates the airways. People with asthma,
bronchitis, or other breathing conditions are especially sensitive to
formaldehyde. Individuals with chronic diseases may be less able to tolerate
formaldehyde exposure. Pregnant women and their unborn children may not
be at higher risk, but they should be careful about exposure.
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➢ How the manufactured home is used. Impacts may be decreased by
spending as much time outdoors in fresh air as possible. Inform residents to
open windows as much as possible to let in fresh air. It is best to keep
temperatures inside manufactured homes at the lowest comfortable setting.
FEMA-supplied manufactured homes are intended for temporary emergency housing. Families
living in manufactured housing with children, elderly persons, or persons with respiratory issues
such as asthma should consider relocating to alternate interim housing options if they experience
respiratory symptoms associated with higher levels of exposure.
Mold may become an issue of concern during disasters. Residents who have problems with mold
should follow the following instructions:
• Fix water leaks
• Clean away any visible mold with detergent and water and open windows when
cleaning with cleaning products
F. Temporary Housing for Emergency Workers and Volunteers: Base Camps The Territory of the Virgin Islands will be inundated by emergency responders, recovery workers,
and volunteers assisting the recovery effort. This skilled and unskilled workforce from external
public, private, and non-profit based organizations is vital in the aftermath of a major or
catastrophic event. Voluntary organizations are willing to donate their time and talents to assist
those affected by the disaster to rebuild their homes and lives and do so by prioritizing assistance
to need-based and vulnerable populations. Territory of the Virgin Islands recognizes the need to
support the provision of temporary shelter to external workforces providing assistance to survivors.
This may be accomplished in partnership with Territory and Federal agencies through the provision
manufactured housing units or other forms of shelter.
VIII. Preparedness
A. Plan Updates and Maintenance Annually by June 1, VI Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) Executive Director/CEO in
colloboration with the Department of Human Services Commissioner, or their designees, should
convene the Emergency Housing Taskforce to address and update the list of potential community
and commercial housing sites and incorporate any revisions to the Strategy requiring immediate
attention. Once every four years, the VIHFA Executive Director/CEO or its designee, shall
convene the Emergency Housing Taskforce to review the Emergency Housing Strategy and all
supporting procedures, policies, and practices.
B. Training and Exercise Once every four years, with the update of this Plan, the Long-Term Recovery Organization should
convene all primary agencies and organizations to verify their assigned roles and responsibilities
and identify any preparedness shortfalls. Each of the lead representatives is responsible for
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maintaining operational readiness within their organization. These representatives should ensure
that sufficient staff members are trained to implement their assigned roles and responsibilities.
Newly assigned personnel should be briefed annually prior to the hurricane season.
At least once every four years, the Territory of the Virgin Islands will incorporate emergency
housing related objectives as an element of their all hazard exercise program.
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IX. Glossary
A. Definitions Client Management: The process that tracks survivors’ needs and assistance. It identified and
addresses unmet needs of disaster survivors. Allows communities to coordinate local public and
private resources to address unmet needs.
Commercial Site: A site customarily leased for a fee, which is fully equipped to accommodate a
housing unit with existing water, sewer, and power connections.
Community Site: A site provided by the local government that accommodates two or more units
and is complete with utilities.
Direct Assistance: Non-monetary assistance provided to disaster survivors by the Federal
Government in the form of physical resources. This includes housing units that are acquired by
purchase or lease, directly for individuals or households who, because of a lack of available
housing resources would be unable to make use of financial assistance and direct activities by the
government to repair or rent units, such as contracting with a company to repair a rental property.
Essential Services: Services necessary to a basic standard of living and the general welfare of
society. Services may include any of the following: electricity, gas, water and sewerage services,
etc.
Fair Market Rent (FMR): An amount determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) to be the monthly cost of modest, non-luxury rental units in a specific market
area, plus the cost of utilities, excluding telephone service.
Financial Assistance. Monetary assistance provided to individuals and households to rent
alternative housing accommodations, existing rental units, manufactured housing or other readily
fabricated dwellings. Such assistance may include the payment of the cost of utilities (excluding
telephone service) or funds to be used for repair and replacement of housing and/or personal
property.
Government Owned Property: Property that is owned by government for reasons including
foreclosure and prior ownership. This applies to governments at all levels, including Federal, and
local. Single family units and multi-family units are included.
Interim Housing: The intermediate period of housing assistance that covers the gap between
sheltering and the return of disaster survivors to permanent housing. Generally, this period may
span from the day after the disaster is declared through up to 18 months.
Long-Term Housing: Safe, sanitary, and functional housing that can be sustained without
continued disaster-related assistance.
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Major Disaster: Any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water,
wind driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide,
snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the
United States, which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and
magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under this Act to supplement the efforts and
available resources of local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the
damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
Permanent Housing: Refers to the state of long-term housing.
Post-Disaster Temporary Housing Incident Action Plan: A document that details a full range
of temporary emergency housing options that may be employed based upon the severity and
magnitude of the disaster. It also provides an introduction of permanent housing solutions.
Shelter: A place of refuge that provides life-sustaining services in a congregate facility for
individuals who have been displaced by an emergency or a disaster.
Short Term Housing: This refers to the state of sheltering and interim housing.
Special Needs Populations: As defined in the National Response Framework, special needs
populations are those whose members may have additional needs before, during, and after an
incident in functional areas, including but not limited to: maintaining independence,
communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care. Individuals in need of additional
response assistance may include those who have disabilities, live in institutionalized settings, are
elderly, are children, are from diverse cultures, have limited English proficiency or are non-English
speaking, or are transportation disadvantaged.
Temporary Housing: Temporary accommodations provided by the Federal Government to
individuals or families whose homes are made unlivable by an emergency or a major disaster.
Unmet Needs: The deficit between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable disaster aid,
including insurance assistance, Federal and local assistance, and personal resources.
Wrap-Around Services: The delivery of infrastructure and additional essential services to address
disaster-related needs of affected residents living in temporary housing sites. Wrap-Around
Services go beyond the physical need for housing or political subdivision of the Territory. These
services typically include basic social services and access to utilities, transportation, grocery stores,
medical and employment facilities.
Post-Disaster Re-development Plan: The Long Term Recovery Committee develops this
document to provide a comprehensive strategy for massive community rebuilding and
redevelopment in the post-disaster environment.
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ACRONYMS ABA Architectural Barriers Act
ABA American Bankers Association
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADD Administration on Developmental Disabilities
ARC American Red Cross
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CEMP Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
COOP Continuity of Operations
DRC Disaster Recovery Center
EOC Emergency Operations Center
ES Emergency Shelter
ESF Emergency Support Function
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHAA Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988
FMR Fair Market Rent
GIS Geographic Information System
GSA General Services Administration
HUD US Department of Housing and Urban Development
IA Individual Assistance
IAP Incident Action Plan
IHP Individual and Households Program
JFO Joint Field Office
LDR Land Development Regulations
LTRO Long-Term Recovery Organization
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NFPA National Fire Prevention Association
NHL National Housing Locator
PDA Preliminary Damage Assessment
PDRP Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan
PETS Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act of 2006
PPI Pre-Placement Interview POD Points of Distribution
PSA Public Service Announcement
RV Recreational Vehicle
SBA Small Business Administration
UC Uniform Command
UFAS Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USDA-RD United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development
VAL Voluntary Agency Liaison
VOAD Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
VOLAG Voluntary Agencies
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APPENDICES
Appendix I – Temporary Roof Repair (Blue Roof)
Appendix II – Celina Tent
Appendix III – Reaction Housing (Temporary for Homeowners)
Appendix IV – Green Horizons (Temporary for Homeowners)
Appendix V - Habihut (Temporary for Homeowners/Renters)
Appendix VI - QuickHab
Appendix VII – Green Horizon (Semi-Permanent for Pre-Disaster Renters)
AppendixVIII - SFH40-B (Maximum of 2yr Occupancy/Semi-Permanent-Pre-Disaster Renters)
Appendix IX - Inovatec System (Permanent Housing – Pre-Disaster Renters)
Appendix X - Habitability Assessment Report
Appendix XI - Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan Objectives Checklist
Appendix XII - Listing of VI Government Owned Lots
Appendix XIII - Emergency Housing Taskforce Contact Database
Appendix XIV - Emergency Housing Community Site Evaluation Form
Appendix XV - Emergency Housing Codes
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Appendix I
Temporary Roof Repair (Blue Roof)
Self-Help Tarp to be used for small areas of roof damage Size – Preferred size is 20’ x 25’.
Woven polyethylene 800 Denier
Thickness – Preferred thickness is 5-6 mil. Various thicknesses acceptable from 5-10 mil.
UV Resistance - 80% after 200 hr per ASTM G23
Non-corrosive grommets at corners and minimum of 3’ on center on edges
Hems folded over
Corners reinforced
Color – Preferred color is medium blue.
Packaged in cardboard box with 2 each, 100’ lengths of 550 pound test parachute cord.
Package shall be clearly marked with the size and number of tarps
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Appendix II
CELINA TENT • Occ: 4 people per unit
• Size: 16 ft x 16 ft
• Inv/Prod: None
• Set-up: 4 ppl @ 30 minutes
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Appendix III
REACTION HOUSING (Temporary for Homeowners) • Occ: 4 people per unit
• Size: 8 ft x 10 ft
• Inv/Prod: None
• Transp: 20 units / heavy truck
• Set-up: 4 ppl @ 5 minutes
• Flex: Multiple configurations
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Appendix IV
GREEN HORIZON(Temporary for Homeowners) • Occ: 4 people per unit
• Size: 8 ft x 20 ft
• Inv/Prod: Prototype
• Transp: 5 / shipping container
• Set-up: < 30 minutes
• Flex: Multiple configurations
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Appendix V
QuickHab (Renters)
The QuickHab was designed to be assembled quickly and easily for
immediate use in a disaster situation. QuickHab was also designed for
quick removal and set up at a secondary location as a permanent housing
solution.
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Appendix VI
GREEN HORIZON (Semi-Permanent for Pre-Disaster Renters) • Occ: 4 people per unit
• Size: 8 x 40 (320 sq. ft.)
• Transp: Barge, Flatbed, Heavy Truck
• Set-up: ~2 hours
• Flex: Can be joined together
• Oth: Electric, heat; expandable
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Appendix VII
SFH40-B (Maximum of 2yr Occupancy/Semi-Permanent-Pre-Disaster Renters)
SFH40 can sleep 4 to 6 people comfortably with beds and mattress provided. The SFH40 has a
30-gallon hot water heater, a multi split ductless air conditioning system, heat pump, compact
kitchen and a full bathroom. This unit can optionally be equipped to be self -sustaining.
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Appendix VIII
Inovatec System (Permanent Housing – Pre-Disaster Renters)
INVT25a
25 m2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
INVT25b
25 m2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
INVT26
26 m2
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
INVT33
33 m2
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
INVT45
45 m2
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
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Appendix IX
Habitability Assessment Report
Event:
Date:
Owner Name Address City Zip Code Home Status Type of Structure
Appendix X: Post-Emergency Incident Action Plan Objectives Checklist
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The Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan shall contain the following elements:
o Extended emergency sheltering (ES) needs, resources, and strategy options including
transitional sheltering.
o Establish initial forecast on temporary housing ballpark range based on disaster damage,
impact assessments and habitability assessments.
o Status of temporary roofing program and emergency repair program o Identify territorial-specific temporary housing options with focus on population retention. o Detail any outstanding regulatory issues inhibiting the emergency housing mission
including
zoning/land use restrictions affecting emergency housing missions.
o List and status of commercial manufactured home parks and contact information.
o List and status of hotel/motel units available o Establish housing priorities and options for disaster survivors, emergency workers and
volunteers
o Detail vacant lands available for community site options incorporating all known
information related to location, ownership, size, infrastructure, etc.
o Confirm and incorporate changes to the territorial-specific strategies. o Validate temporary housing needs forecast and mission timeframe based on FEMA
applicant registrations and territorial client management records.
o Confirm and review progress of county-specific strategies.
o Assess potential long-term housing needs, resources and strategies. o Identify status of unmet community needs and provide coordination with the Unmet Needs
Committee.
o Contact list for utilities, permits and code requirements.
o Status of transportation resources (daily updates). o Status/availability of HUD housing. o Areas of environmental concern. o Geographic Information System (GIS`) based maps showing the following:
o Boundaries of the affected areas o Terrain of affected areas o Areas of storm surge (if applicable) o Population density affected by event/incident o Areas with disrupted utilities o Utility grids o 100 and 500 year floodplain areas o Numbers/types of housing in affected areas o Locations of commercial parks and possible emergency community site locations
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Appendix XI
Emergency Housing Taskforce Database
First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Organization/Dept. Job Title
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Appendix XII: Emergency Housing Community Site Evaluation Checklist
The following information is essential when evaluating potential sites for disaster housing:
o Ownership:
• Title/Ownership of the Property
• Name and Contact Information of the owner/property manager/developer
• Public/Private/Non Profit
o Current Use:
• Existing Manufactured Home Parks
• Pavement: Paved areas where utilities will be above ground. Examples include
parking lots and paved areas at conference centers, shopping malls, airports,
drive-in theaters, business parks, military bases, etc.
• Previously cleared Land/Not Cleared
o Location:
• Physical Characteristics
• Street(s) Names and Rights-of-Way of All Abutting Streets
• Adjacent Subdivisions/Abutting Lots or Tracts
• Longitude/Latitude/US National Grid
• Land Use Designation
• Uses of Adjacent Properties/Within a Residential Area
o Traffic Impacts:
• Access to site/parking/traffic flow
• Access to Public Transit
o Size o f property:
•
•
•
•
Number of Total Proposed Units
Minimum lot size
Site separation lines (NFPA 501 A)
Site Numbers (NFPA 501 A)
o Utilities
• Solid waste: Refuse containers/collection
• Sanitary sewer connections/Septic system/other
• Public Water Supply
• Power Supply
• Utility Disconnects
• Telephone Service
1. Public Safety:
• Fire/EMS Response
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• Safety and Security Issues
• Medical Care/Mental Health Services
• Fire Codes/Fire Hydrants/Water Supplies for fire protection
• Hazard Assessment: Flood Zone/Coastal High Hazard Area/Hazardous
• Materials/Others
• Storm Water Management Impacts/Drainage Impacts
• Utility Disconnects
• Fire Alarms
2. Environmental and Regulatory Issues
• Buffers: Fence, wall
• Recreational area
• Compliance with Land Use and Zoning District requirements
• Environmental Impact State (endangered specifies, environmentally sensitive
areas, wetlands)
• Historical Preservation Issues
3. Community Services
• Impact on local community/social disruption
• Cultural issues
• Access to churches, community centers
• Proximity to original homes
• Access to local stores, restaurants, etc.
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Appendix XIII: Emergency Housing Community Site Evaluation Checklist
The following information is essential when evaluating potential sites for emergency housing:
o Ownership:
• Title/Ownership of the Property
• Name and Contact Information of the owner/property manager/developer
• Public/Private/Non Profit
o Current Use:
• Existing Manufactured Home Parks
• Pavement: Paved areas where utilities will be above ground. Examples include
parking lots and paved areas at conference centers, shopping malls, airports, drive-
in theaters, business parks, military bases, etc.
• Previously cleared Land/Not Cleared
o Location:
• Physical Characteristics
• Street(s) Names and Rights-of-Way of All Abutting Streets
• Adjacent Subdivisions/Abutting Lots or Tracts
• Longitude/Latitude/US National Grid
• Land Use Designation
• Uses of Adjacent Properties/Within a Residential Area
o Traffic Impacts:
• Access to site/parking/traffic flow
• Access to Public Transit
o Size o f property:
•
•
•
•
Number of Total Proposed Units
Minimum lot size
Site separation lines (NFPA 501 A)
Site Numbers (NFPA 501 A)
o Utilities
• Solid waste: Refuse containers/collection
• Sanitary sewer connections/Septic system/other
• Public Water Supply
• Power Supply
• Utility Disconnects
• Telephone Service
4. Public Safety:
• Fire/EMS Response
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• Safety and Security Issues
• Medical Care/Mental Health Services
• Fire Codes/Fire Hydrants/Water Supplies for fire protection
• Hazard Assessment: Flood Zone/Coastal High Hazard Area/Hazardous
• Materials/Others
• Storm Water Management Impacts/Drainage Impacts
• Utility Disconnects
• Fire Alarms
5. Environmental and Regulatory Issues
• Buffers: Fence, wall
• Recreational area
• Compliance with Land Use and Zoning District requirements
• Environmental Impact State (endangered specifies, environmentally sensitive
areas, wetlands)
• Historical Preservation Issues
6. Community Services
• Impact on local community/social disruption
• Cultural issues
• Access to churches, community centers
• Proximity to original homes
• Access to local stores, restaurants, etc.
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Appendix XIV
“Available Resources and Partners”
Mission: To develop a comprehensive list of all resources and partners who could assist with housing
disaster victims in the aftermath of a natural disaster or catastrophe in the Territory.
Objective:
• Identify all available resources and additional partners in the area of housing who could
help facilitate housing needs for victims of a natural disaster or catastrophe
• Define the role and responsibilities that each partner would be expected to undertake
in the case of an aftermath and list the intensity level/hurricane level (Levels 1-5) in
which their services would be needed.
• Describe Agencies/Organization’s Housing Programs implementation criteria and
protocols.
• Enter into an agreement for a commitment of their services and/or resources via a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Hurricane Levels:
Intensity and Outcome
Level 1 Sustained winds of 74-95 mph; no significant structural damage; coastal flooding; widespread power outages.
Level 2 Sustained winds of 96-110 mph; considerable damage on poor construction; power outages, loss of potable water very likely for days
Level 3 Sustained winds of 111-130 mph; destruction of homes and building without a solid foundation; power loss for weeks
Level 4 Sustained winds of 131-155 mph; heavy, irreparable damage, power loss for weeks
Level 5 Sustained winds of more than 156 mph; complete roof failure on majority of
buildings; evacuations required; very few buildings stay intact; power and water
loss possible for months
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THE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CYCLE
Government, on-Government, and Voluntary agencies are oftentimes involved throughout each phase of the emergency management cycle. Although not every agency participates in all four emergency management phases, the cumulative roles and services of all agencies span the entire emergency management cycle. Below is a discussion of each emergency management phase.
M i t i g a t i o n
Mitigation is any activity aimed at reducing or eliminating the future effects of disaster. Experience has shown again and again that lives can be saved, damage to property can be reduced significantly, and economic recovery can be accelerated by consistently building safer and stronger buildings, strengthening existing infrastructures, enforcing building codes, and making the proper preparations before a disaster occurs.
Preparedness
Preparedness includes activities that seek to prevent casualties, expedite response activities, and minimize property damage in the event of a disaster. Examples of preparedness activities include developing emergency plans and procedures, identifying resources that could be useful in a disaster, stockpiling supplies,
conducting training, and exercising disaster plans. Response
This is typically the disaster phase you see most often on television and read about in the newspapers. A disaster has occurred, or is imminent, and all available resources have been mobilized to help protect life and property. Response activities occur immediately before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. Examples include search and rescue, implementation of shelter plans, set up of first aid stations, and the distribution of food and water. R e c o v e r y Recovery includes short and long-term activities. It starts soon after impact and can continue for years or even decades. Short-term recovery activities attempt to compensate for damage to a community’s infrastructure and quickly return its vital life support systems to operation. Short-term recovery assistance includes such things as temporary housing, unemployment assistance, and crisis counseling. Long-term recovery activities are designed to return life to normal or improved levels. The repair of buildings, roads, and bridges, and activities to reestablish businesses are all example of long-term recovery.
Departments’/Organizations’ Defined Roles & Responsibilities
DEPARTMENT/ORGANIZATION
INFORMATION
VI Housing Finance Authority
1. VIHFA
PARTNERS SITUATION
LEVEL (1-5) AND
EMERGENCY
PHASE IN
WHICH ROLE
/SERVICE
OCCURS
MOU RECEIVED? Y/N
3202 Demara Plaza, Suite 200 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel: 340-777-4432 Fax: 340-775-7913
100 Lagoon Complex Suite 4 Frederiksted, St. Croix VI 00840 Tel: 340-772-4432 Fax: 340-772-4002
• Administers the Emergency Housing Program and coordinates the Emergency Housing Mission.
• Provides executive leadership for the development, approval, and execution of all aspects of the emergency housing strategy (before, during, and after a disaster where Emergency Housing is needed.
• Preparedness efforts include coordination with all public, private, and non-profit stakeholders for maintenance, update, and exercise of this strategy and all associated data and site specific information.
• The Executive Director (ED) will establish a Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan team and provide leadership to this team. The (ED) is in the process of expanding regular program elements and developing a disaster survivor management system to meet the needs of the Emergency Housing Mission in conjunction with VIHM.
• Develop a disaster survivor management system to meet the needs of the Emergency Housing Mission in conjunction with VIHM.
• VIHFA will seek the assistance of The Office of the Governor, VITEMA, a Long-Term Recovery Organization, NGOs and the private sector to provide support and to address transitional and long-term housing needs.
• Ensures that information and resources are effectively integrated and managed for supporting the Disaster Housing Mission
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71
before, during, and after a disaster, in a timely manner.
• Establish a Post-Disaster Incident Action Plan team and provide leadership to this team
VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency 8221 Nisky, St. Thomas , VI 00802 Office: 340-774-2244
7A&B King Cross Street Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820 Tel: 340-773-2244 Fax: 340-778-8980
2. VITEMA
• Provide coordination among all stakeholders on the Federal and local levels of government to activate disaster housing resources.
• Coordinates all communications with the media, maintains the community website with current information and updates Public Service Announcements (PSAs) as necessary including PSAs in foreign languages.
• Ensures that information and resources are effectively integrated for supporting the Disaster Housing Mission before, during, and after a disaster.
Virgin Islands Police Department Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Complex St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel: 340-774-2310/774-2211 Fax: 340-715-5517
#45 Mars Hill Frederiksted, St. Croix VI 00840 Tel: 340-778-2211 Fax: 340-778-2373
3. VIPD
• Task the supporting agencies as necessary to accomplish the needs of this ESF 13.
• Provide logistic support through the EMC for mobilizing territorial resources for law enforcement purposes;
• Assume full responsibility for law enforcement needs of the Territory.
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Virgin Islands Housing Authority Post Office Box 7668 St. Thomas, VI 00801 Tel: 340-777-8442 Fax: 340-775-0832
#5 Estate Bethlehem St. Croix 00850 Tel: 340-773-3525 Fax: 340-773-3054
4. VI Housing Authority
• Make habitable housing available to victims
for temporary use.
• Provide listings of available habitable housing units, owned or in the possession of V.I. Housing Authority within or adjacent to the disaster or affected areas; and make these units available for temporary use when needed.
• Provide information on all VIHA programs, which might be of assistance to the government, or individuals affected by the disaster.
• Provide available information, as needed, regarding Public Housing Authorities and fair market rents for the affected areas.
Virgin Islands Fire Services #15 Crown Bay Fill St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel.340-774-7610/ Fax.340-774-4630 Fax.340-774-4718
3019 Orange Grove Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820 Tel: 340-773-8050 Fax: 340-773-8032
5. Fire Services The Fire Marshall, or designee, will:
• Ensure compliance with all fire code
regulations for any type of housing alternative determined to be implemented
• Support the expedited permitting process during the planning review process.
The American Red Cross 6035 Castle Coakley Christiansted, VI 00821-5203 Tele: 340-778-5104 Fax: 340-778-5115
6. American Red Cross-
• Implements the shelter strategy
• Support survivor placement during the interim housing process
• Supports disaster housing demand estimates and long-term client management.
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The American Red Cross 6035 Castle Coakley Chritiansted, VI 00821-5203 Tele: 340-778-5104 Fax: 340-778-5115
• Collect and provide disaster inquiry information regarding individuals residing within the affected area.
• Provide information to immediate family members outside the affected area through a Disaster Inquiry System.
• Provide disaster inquiry information to family members within the affected area who were separated at the time of the disaster
• Utilize the ARC Safe and Well System for the special needs population.
Government House 5047 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, VI 00802-6487 Tel: 340-774-0001 Fax: 340-693-4374
Department of Human Services 3011 Golden Rock Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820 Tel: 340-774-0930 Fax: 340-774-3466
7. Office of the Governor
• Coordinates with VIHFA, VITEMA, FEMA, VI National Guard, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to activate disaster housing resources.
• Coordinates policy decisions and act under the Unified Command to coordinate the execution of all necessary executive orders in support of the Emergency Housing mission in case of a disaster.
8. Dept. of Human Services
• Provides shelter workers and assist in locating health and welfare workers to augment personnel assigned to shelters
1303 Hospital Ground Knud Hansen Complex St. Thomas VI 00801 Tel: 340-773-2980 Fax: 340-773-6121
• Designates the shelters facilities to be inspected
• Ensures the safety of shelters in conjunction
with V.I Fire Services, VITEMA, V.I. National Guard, Department of Education, Department of Public Works, and the American Red Cross
• Recommends the opening of shelters to the
Governor of the Virgin Islands.
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• Assist ESF 6 in obtaining casualty information
from within the disaster area beyond that provided through the NDMS patient regulation system for use by the DI system.
• Provide technical assistance for shelter
operations related to food, vectors, water supply, and waste disposal.
• In accordance with the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) of 2006, Bill Number §.2548 and H.R. 3858, provide shelter for companion and service animals.
• Assist in the provision of additional supplies.
Department of Planning and Natural Resources Cyril E. King Airport – Terminal Bldg. 2nd Floor St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel: 340-774-3320 Fax: 340-775-5706
#45 Estate Mars Hill Frederiksted, St. Croix VI 00840 Tel: 340-773-1082 Fax: 340-773-1716
Bulk Distribution of Emergency Relief Items:
• Sites will be established within the affected area for distribution of emergency relief items.
• The bulk distribution of these relief items will be determined by the requirement to meet urgent needs of disaster victims for essential items.
• The DHS EOP will be used as the footprint to start the flow of disaster emergency relief supplies.
• Provide Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
9. DPNR-
• Evaluate the infrastructure support needs
• Designate sites which may be used as disaster housing sites.
• Coordinate with local and federal partners in the design, installation, and restoration of all infrastructures in support of the Disaster Housing Mission.
• Annually survey potential disaster housing sites by evaluating infrastructure needs onsite and the capacity needed for sustaining populations.
• Support and provide technical assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractors in evaluating and implementing
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support infrastructure for designated disaster housing sites.
• Implements the expedited permitting process and policies that will detail requirements for the waiving of rules associated with garbage, sewage, water, and setback rules on lots, as permitted by the Governor’s executive order.
DHS-FEMA Region II- Caribbean Area Division Human Services Branch Fax: 787-296-3526
Contacts: Lourdes Carbrera-Zenk Email: [email protected] Tel: 787-296-3526 BB: 939-216-7960
Idamis De Jesus Email: [email protected] Tel: 787-296-3525 BB: 939-216-8307
10. FEMA Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288), FEMA serves as the primary coordinating agency for disaster response and recovery activities.
• FEMA processes the Governor’s request for disaster assistance
• Coordinates Federal operations under a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
• In addition to providing various types of response and recovery aid to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations, FEMA provides assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Federal assistance to IHP has two major components: Housing Assistance (HA), which is 100% federally-funded and Other Needs Assistance (ONA), which is 75% federally-funded. These forms of assistance are available with the following authorizations:
Maximize the Use of Available Local Housing Resources
a. Emergency Sheltering:
FEMA can provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for critical disaster-related needs such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation through Critical Needs
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Assistance under the Other Needs Assistance provision of the IHP.
b. Congregate Shelters:
Shelters can be operated in hard facilities (schools, churches, community centers, unused warehouses and stores, barracks and berthing ships) or in soft- side facilities (tents or domes). Types of congregate care shelters include general population, medical support, emergency household pet, ad-hoc/spontaneous, and evacuation.
c. Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA):
When emergency shelters are overwhelmed or if
State and FEMA disaster Leadership determine
that shelter residents and evacuees will not be
able to return to their homes for an extended
period of time, the State may request that FEMA
authorize eligible disaster survivors to receive
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA). If TSA is
authorized, FEMA will approve, fund and
administer the use of hotels and motels as
transitional shelters. The funds used for TSA are
not charged against the disaster survivors’
maximum amount of IHP financial assistance.
(FEMA can provide reimbursement for
hotel/motel accommodations to eligible
applicants through the Housing Assistance
Program, which is subject to the IHP Financial
assistance limit).
d. Temporary Roofing: The roofing program allows homeowners to
request government assistance for exigent repairs
to damaged dwellings. Exigent repairs include
installing plastic sheeting (Blue Roof) on damaged
roofs and repairing accessibility fixtures such as
ramps or railings. Homes must be inspected by
qualified officials and determined to be
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structurally sound, and free from health and
safety risks.
e. Rapid Temporary Repairs (RTR):
Similar to the Blue Roof program, FEMA has partnered with the USACE on a new pilot initiative to make rapid temporary repairs to doors and windows, which would allow families to shelter in their homes until permanent repairs can be made.
f. Financial Assistance for Rent:
The preferred method in providing interim housing is through rental assistance. This includes financial assistance that helps individuals and families to locate and Lease vacant privately- owned apartments, condominiums, and single- family homes, and Federal or State-owned residential property.
g. Financial Assistance for Repair and Replacement
of
Damaged Residences:
Repair and replacement assistance is available following the inspection and verification of damages. FEMA will provide eligible homeowners financial assistance for repairs to make their home habitable by restoring the home to a condition that is safe, sanitary, and functional. The assistance may be used toward replacement of a destroyed or condemned home. Repair and replacement assistance may not be sufficient to restore the home to its pre-disaster condition. The assistance may also take several weeks to several months before it is made available.
h. Manufactured Temporary Housing
Temporary housing units may be used to house disaster survivors when other housing options have been exhausted. Once the appropriate
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options have been determined by the State in coordination with FEMA, temporary housing may be placed on an eligible family’s private property, on a pre-existing commercial pad, or as a last resort, on a new community site approved by local officials, which is constructed and maintained by FEMA. The development of local ordinances to facilitate the placement of temporary units on private property, where appropriate, and the pre- identification of potential community sites help to expedite the placement process.
3. Semi-Permanent or Permanent
Construction/Assistance
This includes financial or direct assistance to
individuals and households. Programs administered
through FEMA and the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) may allow for the
development of housing options. These options allow
for renters to obtain a permanent housing solution or
for the selling of manufactured or modular temporary
homes to a homeowner if repair/rebuilding is not in
the financial interests of the homeowner.
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Other available resources and partners which may be needed in the event of a disaster
Roles and Responsibilities defined:
DEPARTMENT/ORGANIZATION
INFORMATION
PARTNERS SITUATION
LEVEL (1-5) MOU
RECEIVED? Y/N
Department of Health 1303 Hospital Ground Suite 10 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Tel: 340-774-0117 Fax: 340-774-4001
3500 Estate Richmond Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820-4370 Tel: 340-773-6551 Fax: 340-773-1376
1. Department of Health • Provide leadership in directing,
coordinating, and integrating the overall territorial response efforts to provide medical and public health assistance to the affected area.
Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation 3000 LBJ Gardens St. Croix, VI 00820 Tel: 340-773-0160 Fax: 340-773-3150
8201 Sub-base Suite 2 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel: 340-774-0255 Fax: 340-774-4600
1. Sports, Parks & Recreation • Identify and survey sites within the park
system which could be used to set up emergency housing and support implementation of the disaster housing strategy.
• Ensures that designated space which has been outlined to set up emergency housing will be cleared of debris and available for set up and will provide human resources to assist in facilitating this task.
Department of Education No. 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, VI 00802-6746 Tel: 340-774-0100 Fax: 340-779-7153/774-4679
2133 Hospital Street Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820 Tel: 340-773-1095
2. Dept. of Education • As appropriate and applicable, assist with
the development of a plan which includes site evaluation and design of locations for mass sheltering to include the approximate number of persons sites will house in case of a disaster.
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3. Hotel Association, Villas, and Guest Houses • Hotel Association:
Assist with coordinating a meeting with all local hotels and motels to discuss entering into a pre-emergency agreement with pre- set rates, terms, and conditions to allow disaster victims to be housed in rooms, which are vacant and available in the aftermath of a disaster.
• Villa and Guest House owners: Enter into a pre-emergency agreement with pre-set rates, terms, and conditions to allow disaster victims to be housed in rooms which are vacant and available in the aftermath of a disaster.
Department of Tourism Post Office Box 6400 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804 Tel. 340- Fax.340-774-4390/773- 5074774-8784/773-0495
4. Dept. of Tourism- • Responsible for facilitating the process of
transitioning visitors out of the Territory in the wake of a disaster warning;
• Assist Emergency Housing Administrator with facilitating meetings with Hotels, Guest House, and Villa Owners to ensure compliance of this process.
Honnie Edwards President St. Croix Board of Realtors P. O. Box 169 Christiansted, VI 00820
Ms. Kasima Hodge Chief Executive Officer St. Thomas/St. John Board of Realtors PMB 300, 8168 Crown Bay Suite 310 St. Thomas VI 00802
5. Board of Realtors • Assist with the development of a Housing
Registry and a list of large tracts of lands, which could be utilized for emergency housing efforts.
• Coordinates with the local Real Estate Companies in the identification, coordination, and placement of displaced survivors into vacant residential structures.
• Support the identification of vacant structures and properties which may be utilized in the disaster housing mission.
University of the Virgin Islands 6. UVI-
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#2 John Brewers Bay St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802- 9990 Tel. 340-693-1000 Fax. 340-693-1005
• Identify areas and open land spaces on campus which could be utilized to house disaster victims or could be used to set up emergency housing in the aftermath of a disaster.
• If a disaster occurs, UVI will assess the number of available dorm rooms, buildings, or other common areas and report this information to the designated agency for housing assignment.
7. Emergency Medical Services • Coordinates the provision of emergency
medical healthcare services in support of the disaster housing mission.
Department of Public Works No. 8 Sub Base St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 Tel.340-776-4844/773-1290 Fax.340-774-5869/773-0670
8. Public Works The department's Division of Transportation manages the Territory's public transportation, transit system, public parking lots and traffic control devices.
• Identify and survey available sites for setting up temporary emergency housing in the case of disaster.
• Provides assistance in all facets of damage assessments, regulations, and future expeditious placement of temporary housing initiatives.
• Manages the Blue Roof Mission, and support the implementation of all disaster housing strategies.
• Ensures that permitting related issues, damage assessments, and habitability assessments are coordinated.
• Coordinates all resources, contractors, and support staff to address repair and rebuilding of damaged structures.
UD Department of Agriculture 9. USDA • Provides oversight of the development and
execution of the pet evacuation plan
10. Humane Society • Provide transportation for disaster victims to
emergency housing.
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• Provide temporary shelter for pets of
displaced disaster victims who are relocated to emergency housing with their domestic pet.
VI Port Authority Cyril E King Airport St. Thomas 00802 Tel: 340-774-1629 Fax: 340-774-0025
11. VIPA • Provide personnel, technical advice,
supplies and equipment to assess damage to the airports and seaports and assist in evaluating alternatives.
• Provide personnel, technical advice,
supplies and equipment to assist in debris clearance, demolition, and emergency restoration of port facilities.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority #941-946 Estate Williams Delight Frederiksted, St. Croix VI 00840
Post Office Box 5089 Kingshill, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00851-5089 Tel. 340-712-4962 Fax: 340-7198839
12. VIWMA- • Responsible for management of solid waste
(all wastewater pump stations and sewer plants; management of the landfills; establishing debris sites after a disaster and manage those sites)
13. Tax Assessor’s Office • Support the identification of residential,
commercial, and public properties which may be evaluated for disaster housing community sites.
• Supports the post-disaster damage assessment process.
Department of Property & Procurement Building No. 1 - 3rd Floor Sub Base St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 Tel: 340-774-0828 Fax: 340-777-9587
17. Dept. of Property and Procurement • Provide transportation for victims of a
disaster to temporary emergency housing sites.
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VOAD of STX 340-690-8238
VOAD of STT Tele: 340-777-5001/201-9281
18. Affiliated Volunteers, Faith Based Organizations, and National Volunteer
Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) Representatives from faith-based and volunteer organizations may be invited to participate in Disaster Housing Task Force discussions. Faith- based organizations and volunteers may support case management functions. Many of these organizations may provide housing resources such as land or housing units.
VOAD members:
• Install rafters on homes so that the Blue Roof mission can proceed
Donations Management Team(DMT):
• Captures all expenses related to “In-kind services” from Volunteer Organizations and attach a dollar value for these services to provide to FEMA (expenses will count towards local gov’t 25% required contribution from FEMA when utilizing a disaster related program)
19. Long-Term Recovery Organizations- (Support Partners and Service Providers)
Under the direction of the VIHFA and VIHM, these groups of Service Providers will oversee all long- term recovery actions. They will promote the case management process. These organizations will also support the long-term recovery needs of disaster survivors and coordinate with all non- profit and faith-based organizations to support recovery efforts and expedite the transition back to permanent housing and pre-disaster conditions
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National Park Services 2100 Church Street #100 Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820
Tel: 340- 773-1460 Fax: 340-719 1791
20. National Park Services • Identify and survey sites within the park
system which could be used to set up emergency housing and support implementation of the disaster housing strategy.
• If a disaster occurs, VI National Park Services will ensure that designated space which has been outlined to set up emergency housing will be cleared of debris and available for set up and will provide human resources to assist in facilitating this task.
21. HUD • Identify and provide information on all
programs and resources which might be of assistance to the State, government, or individuals affected by the disaster.
Territory of the Virgin Islands September
Emergency Housing Plan 2013
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•
N
FEMA St. Croix Flood Zones A
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Territory of the Virgin Islands September
Emergency Housing Plan 2013
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M
M
•
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FEMA St. John Flood Zones A
Flood Zones:
M A M AE
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Territory of the Virgin Islands September
Emergency Housing Plan 2013
F•EMA
•
Legend
Flood Zones:
M A M AE M AO M VE
X
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N
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0 2 4 Miles Ottc"e•te4:,. rchU, 2il13
1:120,000 CAOG ISUnll
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