Virgin Islands Housing Authority
St Thomas, Virgin Islands
Last Updated
Feb 18, 2026
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Mar 11, 2021
How to Apply
Phone, Email (through referral)
Additional Notes
The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021. Eligibility is limited to individuals and families who are: (1) homeless; (2) at risk of homelessness; (3) fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violen...
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The HCV program includes tenant-based, project-based, and single room occupancy programs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship/eligible immigration status; a 2-3 year waiting period is common. Applications can be downloaded online, picked up in-person at the St. Thomas office, or inquiries made via phone at (340) 714-0174.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program waiting list remains open for new applicants. There are currently 3,575 applicants on the project-based list, with a two to three year waiting period. Specific project-based programs in St. Thomas mentioned include Patriot Manor and Celestino A. White Sr., ...
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Preferences include victims of natural disaster, rent burden, witness protection program, substandard housing, employed/self-employed, official referral from VI Housing Finance Authority's Emergency housing program, elderly, or disabled. Applications can be downloaded online, picked up in-person at 4402 Anna's Retreat, St. Thomas, or mailed once completed.
Official Application
Contact Virgin Islands Housing Authority directly at (340) 777-8442 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Contact Virgin Islands Housing Authority directly at (340) 777-8442 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Virgin Islands Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Virgin Islands Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Virgin Islands Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Virgin Islands Housing Authority?
Virgin Islands Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for St. Thomas Island, VI. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,400. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $52,000 |
| 2 Persons | $22,300 | $37,100 | $59,400 |
| 3 Persons | $25,100 | $41,750 | $66,850 |
| 4 Persons | $27,850 | $46,400 | $74,250 |
| 5 Persons | $30,100 | $50,100 | $80,200 |
| 6 Persons | $32,350 | $53,850 | $86,150 |
| 7 Persons | $34,550 | $57,550 | $92,100 |
| 8 Persons | $36,800 | $61,250 | $98,050 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Virgin Islands Housing Authority — including across state lines.