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Washington, Dec 15, 2006 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that over $70,000 has been awarded to the Fourth Congressional District by the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program.

“I’m pleased this grant will provide these aid organizations with additional resources to continue their generosity and compassion, especially during the holiday season,” said Forbes.

The following jurisdictions will receive funding:

The EFS National Board is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Board is composed of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way of America. These organizations provide supplemental funding to shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks. The funds are used to help individuals and families with non-disaster, temporary emergency needs.

The EFS Program has been in existence since 1983 and was authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. The EFS Program has distributed more than $2.9 billion to communities nationwide, and has accounted for millions of additional meals and nights of shelter to the hungry and homeless most in need across the nation.