CARES ACT (CDBG-CV) funding partnership for Doddridge County Commission and Doddridge County Board of Education.
(West Union, WV, 9/1/2021) – United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties along with Doddridge County Commission as well as Doddridge County Board of Education are pleased to announce that more resources will be available for low-to-moderate income children and their families experiencing food insecurity. Thanks to the collaborative effort of these entities, a $498,502 CDBG-CV grant was endowed by Governor Justice on August 27 for the purpose of adding an additional program to compliment the backpack program that Doddridge County Board of Education currently has in place.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides CDBG funds to West Virginia annually. This year, in addition to the standard CDBG funding for various infrastructure projects, HUD has allocated supplemental funding through the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, called CDBG-CV funding. The Community Advancement and Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office manages these funds.
The project entitled Feeding Friends of Doddridge County will allow for the purchase and distribution of additional shelf-stable food for Doddridge County children and their families, serving approximately 600 Doddridge County residents. This project will be headed by Doddridge County Commission along with Doddridge County Board of Education with United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties serving as the facilitator of the grant.
“We are extremely thankful to have the resources to help facilitate this grant opportunity. This is a perfect example of what it looks like when we Live United. Leveraging resources outside of our county is a huge win for Doddridge,” said Brad Riffee, Executive Director of United Way of HDC. “Our amazing friends with Doddridge County Board of Education and our County Commission will carry out the work of this program. We are truly blessed to have such outstanding leadership within Doddridge County Board of Education. Adam Cheeseman and his incredible team continue to build a foundation of strength for our youth and their families. We would like to thank our County Commission as well. Without their support, this opportunity would not have been possible.”
Superintendent Cheeseman said “We are very appreciative for this source of funding. It will expand our Holistic Child outreach throughout the county by providing meals for families. Proper nutrition is vital for children’s education – it allows students to concentrate on learning rather than worrying about their next meal. I wish to thank the West Virginia Community and Development Division and United Way for all of their assistance in making this project a reality.”
About United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties: Since 1957, we’ve been strengthening our community and have witnessed the transformational power of working together. We build partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, donors, volunteers, and community-minded leaders. Together we innovate the way people, organizations, and systems work together to improve education, financial stability, and health for every person in Harrison and Doddridge Counties.