Valley awarded $300K for programs

Staff report

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Mahoning Valley has been awarded nearly $300,000 in federal funds for emergency food and shelter programs.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has announced funding for emergency food and shelter programs in 46 Ohio counties.

Agencies throughout the state, which provide assistance with food, rent and utility payments, will receive a share of $4,456, 837. Funding is distributed by Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (Emergency Food and Shelter Program grant program.

In the Mahoning Valley, each county will receive these allocations:

Mahoning: $121,406

Trumbull: $113,831

Columbiana: $59,944

“With our economy still on the mend and with paychecks failing to keep pace with the rising cost of living, many Ohio families are still struggling to balance mortgage payments with grocery and utility bills,” Brown said.

“That’s why this funding is so important. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is critical to helping Ohio families gain stability during this economic recovery.”

This funding will support social service agencies in cities and counties throughout Ohio to help feed and shelter the state’s hungry and homeless.

EFSP funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility-assistance programs for people with nondisaster-related emergencies.

Local boards convened in qualifying jurisdictions decide which nonprofit and government agencies are to receive the allocated funds, and funds are then disbursed directly to the agencies by the National Board.

An additional 8 percent of the total EFSP appropriation was allocated for “set-aside committees” at the state level. These state set-Aside committees will make funding determinations to aid the needy in jurisdictions with increased needs.