The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services has announced the FY 2023 Crisis Intervention Fund grant application opportunity for eligible non-profit and nongovernmental organizations. The award period for the DHS Crisis Intervention Fund will be from Jan. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2023. Five mini-grants of $20,000 will be awarded.
Grants provided through the crisis fund are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing service provision to families and youth in the territory. The United States Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Crisis Intervention Fund was established by the VI Legislature on Oct. 13, 1994, and signed into law as Act No. 7159, to help support families and youth experiencing a crisis. The funds support local non-profit and nongovernmental organizations that provide programs for family/ parenting education services, youth skill-building and empowering services, prevention education, and related assistance to families and youth.
The purpose of the crisis fund is to provide intervention, support services and related assistance to youth (17 years old and younger) and families.
Services and related assistance may include:
- Family Enhancement programs focusing from birth-17 years old
- Parenting education
- Youth-focused programs; life skill building, educational assistance; mentoring, prosocial development, job skills development
- Youth-focused substance use prevention and youth-focused violence prevention
- Services/ Programs for disabled youth or families with disabled youth.
- Crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, comprehensive service coordination and supervision to assist family or household members.
In a statement, Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez said, “These mini-grants expand the reach of local innovative organizations that provide immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical and behavioral distress or problems.”
“Every person in crisis, including their families, should receive a humane response that treats them with dignity and respect. We are encouraging anyone committed to advancing efforts to reimagine crisis response in our community to apply,” said Causey-Gomez.
To obtain an application, email kendall.tutein@dhs.vi.gov with the subject titled: REQUEST FOR FY2023 CRISIS INTERVENTION APPLICATION, or visit the DHS office on St. Thomas at the Knud Hansen Complex at Hospital Ground or 3012 Golden Rock on St. Croix. People may also call 718-2980 (St. Croix) or 774-0930 (St. Thomas) for further information.
Completed applications must be submitted electronically or dropped off by 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. Applications are available through noon, Dec. 30, 2022. Current FY2023 Crisis Intervention subgrantees are not eligible to apply.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) exists to provide social services to members in the community with diverse needs. Please visit the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.gov.vi for more information.
