Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. convened the inaugural meeting of the Interagency Council on Homelessness Tuesday at Government House, signaling a renewed and coordinated commitment to addressing homelessness across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The council, established under Executive Order No. 444-2009, functions under the Human Services Department and is made up of 15 members appointed by the governor. Its purpose is to advise the governor and Legislature on issues related to homelessness or the risk of becoming homeless. Members include representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and community stakeholders, according to the press release.
Tuesday’s meeting brought together officials from Catholic Charities, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Justice Department, and the Continuum of Care Program. During the session, members elected Human Services Department Commissioner Averil George as chair, Danny Derima of the Continuum of Care as vice chair, and Sandra Thomas Mason of Catholic Charities as secretary, the press release stated.
While Bryan does not hold a voting position on the council, he underscored the importance of its mission. “My concern is for the community — especially for our unhoused residents —whose quality of life will be significantly enhanced through the coordinated efforts of our member agencies,” Bryan said in the press release.
He called for the development of a 10-year strategic plan to tackle the crisis, pressing for legislative backing to fund long-term solutions. These include the creation of planned communities with on-site support services, the expansion of behavioral health offerings, an increase in skilled nursing facilities, and the development of residential housing for aging residents, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals reentering society after incarceration, the release stated.
Bryan noted that the territory’s housing challenges are compounded by mental health issues and a growing shortage of affordable housing options. He urged the council to explore “all avenues” for increasing the availability of both transitional and permanent housing, it said.
The governor also highlighted the central role of nonprofit organizations in confronting homelessness, while acknowledging their challenges in obtaining stable funding and retaining skilled staff. He stressed the necessity of collaboration between public agencies and nonprofit partners to build long-term capacity, it said.
The Council’s next meeting is scheduled for June 18 on St. Croix. A series of territory-wide town halls is planned for the summer to engage residents in discussions on homelessness and grassroots solutions, it said.
