Welch Office: (304) 436-6800
Bluefield Office: (304) 327-5305
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
FOR UTILITIES, FOOD, AND SHELTER
Emergency Utility Assistance Program
The Utility Assistance Program provides assistance with electricity, water, wood, gas, and coal to low-income families. CSM also works with the Dollar Energy Fund and other organizations to assist consumers with utility bills.
A disconnect notice is needed for assistance with electricity and water.
Contact Regina Sanders or Heather Mullins: (304) 436-6800
Emergency Food Pantry
Assists low-income families with nutritional food items. Consumers may receive items from the Food Pantry every three months to help them during stressful times. CSM obtains assistance from the Huntington Food Bank, Mountaineer Food Bank, and CSBG funding for food.
To apply for food assistance, a valid photo ID and income verification are required for all family members.
Contact Mary Reed for assistance: (304) 436-6800
FEMA Emergency Food
and Shelter Program (EFSP)
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federally-funded program administrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
About the Program
The purpose of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both non-profit and governmental, to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies.
Accordingly, EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people, as well as organizations that support those at risk of becoming hungry or homeless due to economic hardships.
Council of Southern Mountains
CSM collaborates with two other local agencies and divides the monetary award equally among all three partners. The other two entities are Catholic Charities and S.H.E.D.
The CSM Executive Director is the local chairperson for the program. For more information or to seek assistance, contact Latonia Foster or Randal Johnson at 304-436-6800.
Homeless Assistance
Unlike FEMA’s disaster assistance programs authorized under the Stafford Act, EFSP is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (PL 100-77).
Implementation of the EFSP is not contingent on a Presidential disaster declaration, and funds are not to be used to provide emergency assistance for circumstances that are the immediate result of a disaster situation.
For more information about or to seek assistance, contact:
Latonia Foster or Randall Johnson
P: (304) 436-6800