A Virgin Islands nonprofit has received $651,572 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help former military members and their families avoid or escape homelessness. Meeting the Needs of Our Community, Inc., known as MTOC, will deliver the assistance through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, with funding covering federal fiscal year 2027.
The award, made public on Thursday, October 8, is part of a broader federal push to address veteran homelessness nationwide. The VA distributed roughly $1.17 billion across 680 organizations in the country, with the aim of helping former service members secure permanent housing and remain stably housed.
MTOC's work under the grant will focus on three main goals: stopping people from losing their homes, helping veterans locate appropriate housing, and moving those currently homeless into permanent residences. The organisation can use funding for housing searches, stability planning, direct rental assistance, and connections to other community services.
The VA has not disclosed how many local veterans will benefit from the money, what portion will go directly to housing costs, or whether the grant will allow MTOC to expand its current operations.
Dr. Antonio Sánchez, who leads the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, said the grants deepen ties between the federal agency and local groups. "The San Juan VA medical center and its clinics across the Virgin Islands remain committed to ensuring Veterans have access to safe, stable housing and the supportive services they need to thrive," Sánchez said. He added that the grants "strengthen our partnerships with community organizations and help us reach Veterans where they are, providing resources that make a meaningful difference in their lives."
MTOC has a track record of securing federal housing money. In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gave the organisation $1,510,082 to support housing for people with HIV/AIDS. The group also runs permanent supportive housing under HUD's Continuum of Care program, which received $92,955 for two renewal projects in federal fiscal year 2024.
The new grant arrives as the Virgin Islands grapples with a growing homeless population and a lack of affordable homes. A Point-in-Time Count conducted in January 2025 found 304 people sleeping rough across the territory: 185 on St. Thomas, 98 on St. Croix and 21 on St. John. That figure exceeded the 252 unsheltered individuals counted in 2023.
Nationally, the VA reported helping 51,936 veterans secure permanent housing during fiscal year 2025, described as the highest number in seven years.
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