The activities to be performed include creation of a transitional housing program model; establishment of a tiny home transitional housing community; the provision of certified vocational and…

The Department of the Interior Insular Affairs awarded the Office of Management & Budget of the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands $400,000 on December 23, 2025, under the Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875) to establish a transitional housing program model and a tiny home transitional housing community for returning citizens in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The recipient will deliver employability workshops (12 per year, 36 total over the period of performance, targeting 100 participants with a 70 percent job placement rate), substance abuse counseling sessions (24 per year serving 75 participants with a goal of 50 percent reduction), soft skills training workshops (12 per year for 75 participants), waste management and trades training (6 workshops annually for 75 participants), and cognitive training programs (12 sessions per year for 75 participants). Additional services include certified vocational and workplace behavioral courses, social entrepreneurship training, individual and group counseling on cognitive and personal development issues, employability referral and placement in apprenticeship programs, and job search and placement services. The award targets 50 percent of participants securing stable employment within six months of program completion.

The period of performance runs from December 23, 2025, through September 30, 2029, with work performed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The activities to be performed include creation of a transitional housing program model; establishment of a tiny home transitional housing community; the provision of certified vocational and workplace behavioral courses, as well as social entrepreneurship training; conducting cognitive, substance abuse and personal development individual and group counseling sessions; and offering employability, referral and placement in apprenticeship programs; offering job search and job placement services for returning citizens. Expected deliverables - employability workshops: number of workshops conducted: 12 workshops per year, totaling 36 over three years. 100 participants, 70% job placement. Substance abuse programs: 24 substance abuse counseling sessions per year, 75 participants, 50% reduction. Soft skills training: 12 workshops per year, 75 participants training. Waste management and trades training: 6 workshops each year, 75 participants: cognitive training programs: 12 sessions per year, 75 participants; increased employment rates: 50% of participants will secure stable employment within six months of completion, fostering financial independence and self-sufficiency.