The Ministry of Health and Social Development in its response to providing relief to the community in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, has started the application process to provide housing assistance to homeowners.

Persons can access housing assistance for the rebuild or repair of their homes by applying for material, labour or both.

Eligible persons must be displaced homeowners, without insurance, and/or are currently unemployed or classified as low-income earners. Other vulnerable individuals will be considered on a case by case basis.

Persons requiring assistance under this programme must complete the National Emergency Relief and Recovery Assistance Form which is available from the Department of Social Development Office located upstairs the Road Town Seniors’ Centre, next to the BVI Red Cross. Forms are also available at the distribution centres on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. Completed application forms must be returned to the pick-up location.

Applicants should provide a surveyor’s report of the damaged building if available. In cases where reports are not available, the building assessments will be conducted by qualified professionals identified by the Ministry.

The housing assistance programme is being coordinated by the Ministry in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs in the BVI and with support in the form of building supplies from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), Truck and Equipment Sales and Service (TESS), First Bank and Digicel.  Businesses and companies are invited to partner in this initiative by donating material, labour, supplies and/ or cash vouchers.

Beneficiaries of the Ministry of Health and Social Development housing assistance programme are advised that all repair work conducted as part of the programme, will be done in accordance with building regulations issued by the Planning Authority and Building Authority.  For further information please call 541-1192.