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

http://www.disasterassistance.gov/


http://www.fema.gov/



vacant privately owned apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, and Federal

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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

http://www.corplodging.com/ELA

http://www.corplodging.com/ELA


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.


Page 17 of 87

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-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distillation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distillation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services


Page 18 of 87

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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Virgin_Islands_Research_and_Technology_Park

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Virgin_Islands_Research_and_Technology_Park


Page 19 of 87

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


Page 20 of 87

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).






Page 23 of 87

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




Page 24 of 87

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.


Page 25 of 87

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.


Page 26 of 87

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


Page 27 of 87

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.


Page 28 of 87

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


Page 29 of 87

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

http://portal.hud.gov/app_nhls

http://portal.hud.gov/app_nhls


Page 30 of 87

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


• 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


• 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

http://www.inovatecsystem.com/house_invt25a.asp








http://www.inovatecsystem.com/house_invt25b.asp








http://www.inovatecsystem.com/house_invt26.asp

























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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


• 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


• 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


• 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

Territory of the Virgin Islands September Emergency Housing Plan 2013

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.


72

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

mailto:[email protected]







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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 nonprofit 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

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TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS EMERGENCY HOUSING PLAN Package 012-2019-S… · F. Exit Strategy...

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Transcript of TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS EMERGENCY HOUSING PLAN Package 012-2019-S… · F. Exit Strategy...