Work Begins on Long Look Social Home Complex to Support the Territory’s Most Vulnerable

Construction is now underway on the Long Look Social Home Complex, a major social development designed to provide safe, supervised accommodation and structured support for some of the Virgin Islands’ most vulnerable residents.

During a site visit, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley outlined the facility’s core purpose: meeting an immediate need while helping individuals rebuild stability. “This centre will serve several functions, but at its core it provides something very basic and very necessary—a safe place to sleep,” he said. “It will operate as a supervised facility working alongside the Safe Haven Transitional Centre to provide temporary accommodation for vulnerable persons, coupled with structured support programmes to assist their transition back to independent living.”

Honourable Wheatley also noted the project’s local economic and environmental benefits, pointing to job creation during construction and a design intended to operate fully on solar and battery power. He thanked the Premier for supporting the initiative and said the focus is on delivering a long-discussed concept with the resources and structure needed to serve the wider community.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley described the development as a reflection of the Territory’s values. “This building represents more than just a structure; it is an expression of compassion,” he said. “It reflects how we choose to treat those who may be experiencing hardship and vulnerability.” He also highlighted the significance of placing the facility within the Long Look community, calling it a historic and resilient area, and emphasized the importance of community involvement in building, maintaining, and taking ownership of the space.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and Territorial-at-Large Representative Honourable Sharie B. de Castro underscored the project’s role in restoring opportunity for people facing difficult circumstances. “People can find themselves in difficult circumstances through no fault of their own. This facility provides a doorway back to stability and opportunity,” she said. “It takes vision to create a space like this within a community, and I am pleased to see that vision becoming a reality.”

Territorial-at-Large Representative Honourable Stacy Mather highlighted the practical impact the complex is expected to have on long-standing social challenges, including homelessness. “This facility targets some of the most vulnerable in our society, and that has been a clear mandate of this Government,” he said. “This facility will be welcomed and well utilised.” He added that the project represents “a meaningful and necessary step” toward addressing homelessness in a structured and compassionate way.

The project is being led by Mr. Dion Crabbe, Managing Director of Island Concrete Limited, and is located in the heart of the Long Look community. Once completed, the Long Look Social Home Complex will provide structured accommodation and comprehensive support services for chronically homeless individuals and persons experiencing severe social and economic hardship.

The new facility will complement the existing Safe Haven Transitional Centre by providing a critical next step toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and independent living—strengthening the Territory’s broader social protection framework.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it remains committed to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands through effective policies, sustainable programmes, and strategic partnerships that support a safe, healthy, and resilient society.