U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that 14 counties in southern West Virginia have been awarded $260,434 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program to help combat poverty and homelessness in southern West Virginia.

"This funding will help authorities throughout southern West Virginia to provide food and shelter to those hardest hit by the housing crisis and economic downturn," said Rahall. "I am grateful that a program like this exists to help support the many hard-working families struggling to make ends meet before the paycheck runs out."

The following counties in West Virginia's Third District have been awarded funding:

* Cabell/Wayne Counties $67,043
* Boone County $10,226
* Fayette County $23,169
* Greenbrier County $23,469
* Lincoln County $10,779
* Logan County $14,924
* McDowell County $12,575
* Mercer County $26,232
* Mingo County $11,331
* Monroe County $7,554
* Nicholas County $12,667
* Raleigh County $33,510
* Summers County $6,955

EFS Program funds can be used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.

"We are only as strong as our weakest link," Rahall added. "With these additional funds, our local organizations will be able to reach out to those in need and help strengthen our communities from within."