U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced today that Stop Abusive Family Environments (SAFE), Inc. in Welch, West Virginia has been awarded $135,799 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Continuum of Care programs for transitional housing and homeless support initiatives in McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming Counties.

"These funds will help local authorities combat the growing problem of homelessness in our area," Rahall said. "I commend programs like SAFE and their efforts to help people in southern West Virginia to become economically independent and achieve home ownership."

The funding will provide support for operational and supportive services at SAFE's transitional housing facility in Welch, West Virginia. SAFE's facility is the first domestic violence shelter in the state that houses women and their children for up to two years. Since opening its doors in 1997, the shelter, which can accommodate up to 31 women and their children, has provided more than 44,000 nights of shelter and 88,000 meals to nearly 600 women and 500 children.

HUD's Continuum of Care homeless assistance programs, which include the Supportive Housing Program, the Shelter Plus Care Program, and the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation for SRO Dwellings for Homeless Individuals, provide funding for homeless housing and supportive services across the nation.

"HUD continues to assist people in southern West Virginia and across the nation with leading more productive lives," said Rahall. "I am thankful that HUD recognized the importance of these local initiatives, which are of great benefit to the entire community."