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For Immediate Release

Contact: Councilmember Chris Stroech (304-725-2002, chris.stroech@shepherdstown.us )

 

Shepherdstown, WV (August 30, 2021)– Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer today announced that the Corporation of Shepherdstown will receive $60,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funding for Coronavirus relief through the State of West Virginia.

 

The grant was announced by Governor Jim Justice, in a virtual ceremony Friday, August 27th, 2021. Shepherdstown is one of several communities in West Virginia that will receive CDBG-CV funds for community development projects related to Coronavirus relief.

 

Shepherdstown’s grant will benefit low-to-moderate-income households that are behind on their mortgage, rent, and/or utility payments. The town will provide emergency funds to households facing economic hardship following the recent expiration of the nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. The program will be administered by Catholic Charities West Virginia, Martinsburg office, and support will be based on demonstrated need, the availability of funds, and documented eligibility for assistance, including income and residency requirements.

 

“On behalf of Mayor Jim Auxer, the Town Council of Shepherdstown, and the Shepherdstown Grants Committee, I would like to express our gratitude to Governor Jim Justice for this funding, which will help people in our community to overcome the devastating effects of the COVID epidemic on the tourism and hospitality economy that is vital to our community.” said Councilmember Christopher Stroech, who chairs the Grants Committee.

 

Stroech said the town is looking forward to partnering with Catholic Charities in the administration of the grant.

 

Shepherdstown residents who are in need of assistance should contact the Martinsburg Office of Catholic Charities: Siobhan Bertone 304-267-8837 ext. 10

 

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was established by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) of 1974. The West Virginia Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provides grants to local governments (towns, cities, and counties) that do not receive CDBG direct funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The primary objective of CDBG funding is to develop sustainable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities principally for persons of low to moderate income.

 

Catholic Charities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The agency is open to serving all people regardless of their race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, marital or family status. Catholic Charities is the second largest social service organization (the first being DHHR) in the state of West Virginia. Their Martinsburg office administers several local and federal grants and partners with The Regional Resource Connection (RRC). Eligible residents of the Corporation of Shepherdstown will be assisted by Catholic Charities without regard to transportation limitations.

 

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