This week, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller, along with Representative Nick Rahall, announced $526,266 in funding to help individuals and families in West Virginia with non-disaster related emergencies. The funding is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and will be used to expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for West Virginians in need. “As West Virginians, we understand the importance of making sure our neighbors in need have a place to turn to for support,” Senator Manchin said. “This critical funding offers hope and assistance to West Virginians with the ultimate goal of helping individuals rise above challenging circumstances and get back on their feet.” “This funding award is critical to organizations in southern West Virginia that focus everyday on making sure no one in their communities goes to bed hungry or without a roof over their head,” Rockefeller said. “Their presence also goes a long way toward helping lift West Virginians out of poverty and putting them on a path to a brighter future.” “West Virginians know well what it means to ‘help thy neighbor,’ especially those in our communities who are struggling with family emergencies,” said Rahall. “Federal funds like these are an important lifeline to help needy families with children get through some very difficult times.” Member agencies of the EFSP National Board include: American Red Cross; Catholic Charities USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; United Way Worldwide; and FEMA. Locally, Greenbrier County was awarded $12,267 and Monroe County was awarded $2,800.
