Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Physical Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

Client:
Virgin Islands Housing Authority
#402 Anna’s Retreat
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802
Attn. Lydia Hughes
(340) 775-2741

Project Assignment:
Prepare an Agency Strategic Plan for 24 public housing developments consisting of 3,311 units in 660 buildings. Work included preparation of: Physical Needs Assessment (PNA), Section 202 Analysis, and Viability Study.

Assignment Details:
The overall goal was to develop a Strategic Plan that will help the VIHA assess the condition and potential of their developments and properties.  This strategic plan will be implemented to give direction to the VIHA to help the Authority achieve its goal of providing quality affordable housing for the next 20 years, in an environment of decreasing levels of federal assistance.

CHS began the process by meeting with executive staff to understand their concerns and objectives.

PNA:  CHS conducted thorough development and unit assessments which included:

• Inspection of 100% of each development site.
• Inspection of 100% of the exterior of each building.
• Inspection of 10-25% of the dwelling units.
• Review of Section 504 (HC) compliance.
• Review of environmental reports.
• Evaluation of infrastructure and mechanical systems.

Viability Study/ 202:  After compiling physical needs data an evaluation of the long-term viability of each development was conducted. The HUD 202 Viability protocol was followed. The conclusion of the study was to determine if it was more cost-effective to modernize and maintain the existing housing, or to dispose of the housing and voucher the residents.

Executive Summary:  CHS prepared an executive summary of the findings and recommendations. This document was shared with the VIHA board of directors, HUD, residents, and government officials.  This study further led to a personal presentation to Secretary of HUD, Alphonso Jackson and his staff.

[pdf version]