St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined members of the Interagency Council on Homelessness at Government House on Tuesday for the Council’s inaugural meeting, marking a renewed and collaborative commitment to addressing homelessness across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Established under Executive Order No. 444-2009, the Interagency Council on Homelessness operates within the Department of Human Services and is composed of 15 members appointed by the Governor. The Council shall advise the Governor and the Legislature on issues related to homelessness or the risk becoming homeless. The Council includes representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based institutions, and community partners.
Tuesday’s meeting brought together members from Catholic Charities, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), the Department of Justice, and the Continuum of Care program. In its first official session, the Council elected Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George as Chair, Danny Derima of Virgin Islands Continuum of Care as Vice Chair, and Sandra Thomas Mason of Catholic Charities as Secretary.
While not a voting member of the Council, Governor Bryan emphasized the critical 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,” he said.
Governor Bryan also underscored the need for a 10-year strategic plan to combat homelessness in the territory. He advocated for legislative support to fund sustainable solutions such as planned communities with support services, expansion of behavioral health services, the addition of more skilled nursing facilities and more residential housing development options for residents as they age-whether it be for youth as they age out of foster care, those seeking housing after incarceration, or the those transitioning to retirement age.
He noted that homelessness in the Virgin Islands stems from a complex web of issues, including mental health challenges and a worsening housing crisis. The Governor challenged attendees to explore all avenues to increase housing availability—whether transitional and permanent.
Governor Bryan also acknowledged the vital role of nonprofits in this effort, while recognizing the hurdles they face, particularly in securing funding and retaining skilled staff. He emphasized the need for government and non-governmental collaboration to strengthen the capacity of these organizations.
The Council will reconvene on Tuesday, June 18 on St. Croix, and plans to host territory-wide Town Halls over the summer to engage residents and stakeholders in open dialogue on homelessness and community-based solutions.
The Bryan Roach administration remains focused on financial accountability and strategic problem solving as it continues to address legacy issues and strengthen the Virgin Islands’ long term fiscal health.
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