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Housing assistance in U.S. Virgin Islands

Start with the housing agencies and HUD resources below. Applications, funding, and waiting lists are handled by the providers you contact.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA)St. ThomasPublic housing agency Virgin Islands Housing Finance AuthorityStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in U.S. Virgin IslandsHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in U.S. Virgin Islands

Energy and utility bills

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Virgin Islands Department of Human Services

    Federally funded help with home energy bills, run by VI Human Services; the number listed is the agency contact in the federal LIHEAP directory, and the national Energy Assistance Hotline (1-866-674-6327) can also give program information.

    Call 340-774-1166

Free legal help

  • Legal Services of the Virgin Islands Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc.

    Free civil legal help, including housing and foreclosure cases, for low-income residents; apply through the online intake form or call the St. Thomas (340-774-6720) or St. Croix (340-718-2626) office.

    Call 340-774-6720

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Phone lines that serve U.S. Virgin Islands

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. PHA Contact Report – Virgin IslandsU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  2. LIHEAP Map State and Territory Contact Listing (updated September 1, 2026)HHS Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
  3. Legal Services of the Virgin IslandsLegal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc.
  4. Virgin Islands Housing AuthorityVirgin Islands Housing Authority