WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $350,159 in federal funding for local housing agencies in West Virginia to help families in need find employment and become economically independent.

“A state filled with small towns and tightknit communities, West Virginians often come together to help neighbors in need. These funds will help West Virginia entities better assist families looking to achieve economic independence. By helping these individuals secure employment, this program has the ability to transform lives and help many West Virginians get back on a solid footing,” said Senator Capito.

“One of our core values as West Virginians is helping our neighbors who are struggling and in need our support,” Senator Manchin said. “We should help those in need to make sure they have the resources they need to get back on their feet, provide for their families and contribute to their communities. This funding will help West Virginians who have fallen on hard times acquire the skills and training they need to find jobs that provide a living wage and become financially independent.”

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-sufficiency (FSS) program. This program helps put those currently receiving vouchers on the path to economic independence by helping them obtain employment. The money is distributed to public housing agencies that work with schools, businesses, and other local entities to support programs that give participants skills and experience to help them find employment. In addition to employment assistance, funding can also support child care, transportation, education and job training, and counseling.

Below are the individual award amounts:

$18,104 – Benwood McMechen Housing Authority
$81,960 – Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority
$34,028 – Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority
$34,500 – Housing Authority of Mingo County
$22,736 – Randolph County Housing Authority
$30,186 – The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
$36,960 – The Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority
$43,275 – Parkersburg Housing Authority
$48,410 – Wheeling Housing Authority

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