wfn.org | NCCCUSA/CWS California Freeze Aid

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org

33NCC3/17/99 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CWS SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA INTERFAITH RESPONSE TO FREEZE

 NEW YORK CITY ---- Church World Service, the humanitarian
assistance ministry of the National Council of Churches, has
contributed $15,000 for interfaith response to needs of the most
vulnerable farm workers affected by the December freeze that damaged
or destroyed northern California citrus and seasonal crops.

 President Clinton has declared seven counties eligible for
federal disaster funds to supplement unemployment compensation for
unemployed farm laborers and other farm industry workers.  But
undocumented workers - 40 percent of those affected - do not qualify
for assistance.  Some 15,000 workers are facing long-term
unemployment, with 45,000 people affected - including 25,000
dependent children.  People are in desperate need of food; some face
the loss of their homes and need help with rent and utilities.

 Three interfaith groups are providing food and housing assistance
within the context of Valley Interfaith Freeze Relief (VIFR).  The
CWS money will help VIFR establish services in Kern and northern
Tulare counties, increase the capacity of existing local interfaith
organizations and establish a coordinating office.

 In all, the interfaith network is seeking $715,800 for direct
assistance to families.  CWS has opened an account, #976238, to
receive funds for its seed money assistance and interfaith
development and capacity-building activity, estimated at $20,000
total.

 Dick Eskes, of Walnut Creek, Calif., Disaster Relief Consultant
of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, is assisting VIFR.
He may be reached at 510-939-1250; fax 510-937-5815.
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* All information is drawn from CWS Emergency Response Office
bulletins.
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