August 31, 2012

Manchin, Rockefeller & Rahall Announce Grants for Emergency Shelters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, as well as Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced $1,959,246 in federal funding to support homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and related services.

“Having shelter and a place to sleep is a basic necessity,” said Rockefeller.  “Emergencies happen that leave families homeless and this funding goes to assisting those in need.”

“As West Virginians, we’ve always valued neighbors helping neighbors, and supporting each other when struggling through difficult circumstances,” Manchin said. “These funds will help make sure that families who are facing tremendous financial challenges can have a roof over their heads and a warm bed while they work to get back on their feet."

“There is no substitute for the peace of mind the safety and security of a shelter for one’s loved ones can bring,” said Rahall.  “These funds help protect families when emergencies arise, and they invest in the overall quality of life in a community.”

Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) Program awards grants for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings into homeless shelters, as well as to fund certain social services, operating expenses, homeless prevention activities, and administrative costs.  ESG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Only local or state governments can be recipients of ESG awards, below are the recipients in West Virginia:

  • City of Charleston                  $145,296
  • City of Huntington                 $162,455
  • State of West Virginia            $1,651,495

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