Tag: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS)

Communications Director Asks Families To Be Patient About Receiving P-EBT

CHRISTIANSTED — During the Government House weekly press briefing, Richard Motta Jr., Director of Communications for the Office of the Governor, said that the Pandemic Electronic Benefits (P-EBT) program continues to issue cards to eligible students and asked for the public’s patience as the Department of Education begins the 2020-2021 school year with a two-week […]

DHS Lauches New Portal So Parents Can Register Children For Head Start Online

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — During a time when it has become more important than ever to have the ability to do things remotely and online, the Head Start Program today announced that they have implemented a unique, online parent portal. The online tool allows parents to create a profile and complete the family and Head Start-aged […]

DHS Announces Additional SNAP Benefits For Recipients Due To COVID-19 Crisis

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) announces that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will issue additional SNAP benefits to current recipients during the months of April and May. Households not already receiving the maximum benefits will receive a supplemental allotment to bring the amount of benefits received up to […]

Human Services Extends MAP/MEDICAID Benefits To Members and Providers

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Department of Human Services (DHS) said it “is working around the clock with their federal partners to ensure that Virgin Islanders have access to all provisions that will be of help during this crisis.” “DHS staff members are implementing changes in record time and working to ensure that the various programs […]

Human Services To Resume Head Start Lunches This Week … Stop During Easter

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services said that Head Start “program classrooms” remain closed territory-wide until further notice. Human Services said the distribution of meals to Head Start children began at various locations in St. Thomas and St. Croix on March 23, Human Services spokeswoman Michelle Francis said today. “The Head […]

Human Services’ Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Will Take New Applicants

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Department of Human Services (DHS) Medical Assistance Program provides its members access to healthcare services such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient services, clinic services, laboratory and X-ray services, physician services, dental services, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services. Human Services said it “acts as a safety-net and exist […]

Human Services Offers Cash, Food and WAPA Payments For Those Who Qualify With Relaxed Federal Guidelines

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USVI Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family Assistance announced that their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps), cash, and energy assistance programs are ready to serve existing and new clients through conducting interviews via telephone rather than in person […]

Human Services Ends Head Start Program For At Least 3 Weeks Due To COVID-19

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) Head Start program will temporarily close classrooms territory-wide beginning today, The department said the shutdown is needed :to follow precautionary federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” The head start […]

Human Services Chief Speaks About Youth Poverty At Federal Reserve Bank

NEW YORK — Department of Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez participated in an event and panel discussion hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Thursday titled: Youth Poverty in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Updates and Policy Recommendations. The purpose of the event was to bring a variety of thought leaders […]