$50,000+ in Rent and Mortgage Assistance Available to Shenandoah County Residents.
(Winchester, VA, May 26, 2021) – Help is available for Shenandoah County residents who are struggling to pay for housing expenses. The local Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) board awarded Faithworks, Inc. with $50,277 for Phase 38 of the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to provide rent, mortgage, and motel assistance to families.
In April, United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, the board chair of the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program for the Winchester City and Frederick County areas, also began administrating EFSP funding for Clarke and Shenandoah Counties. The local board awarded the full grant amount eligible for Shenandoah County to Faithworks, a nonprofit based in Winchester, that provides housing assistance to residents throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Faithworks was the only agency to apply for the funding.
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federally funded program administered by FEMA. The program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. The program is governed by a national board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way. Members of these same groups are part of each local board.
“We are thankful to the United Way for stepping in to manage the EFSP program and getting these funds allocated quickly to meet our community’s needs. It is a real testament to their commitment to our community”, said Beth Delullo, director of the Shenandoah County Department of Social Services, who also serves on the EFSP local board.
Shenandoah County’s award is based upon the jurisdiction's total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions.
Faithworks is partnering with several local organizations including United Way NSV’s Valley Assistance Network (VAN) program to help administer the funds Shenandoah County. Applications will be accepted through October 25, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.
To receive rent or mortgage from Faithworks for their awarded grant allotment for Shenandoah County, households must meet the following eligibility criteria: Be a resident of Shenandoah County, have a lease or mortgage statement in their name, and provide necessary documentation including a current rent or mortgage ledger, landlord verification form, and completed application.
If approved for assistance, the funds will be sent directly to the landlord or mortgage company. Unlike many current assistance programs, applicants do not need to prove a hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applicants for Shenandoah Counties are encouraged to submit an online request for assistance on United Way’s website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/current-assistance-programs. Paper applications can be picked up and dropped off at Shenandoah County Department of Social Services, located at 494 N. Main Street in Woodstock, VA. Those without access to the internet or people who need assistance filling out the application can call (540) 773-3178 to schedule an appointment.
Applications are also available at Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter and Family Promise of Shenandoah County. Through the grant, Faithworks is also able to provide food and motel vouchers to residents enrolled with Family Promise.
In addition, $X was awarded to Faithworks and FISH of Clarke County to assist Clarke County families. Information on Clarke County assistance can also be found on United Way’s website here: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/current-assistance-programs