wfn.org | Relief agency distributes funds for further Sept. 11 response

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 28, 2002	 News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212) 870-38037New York
10-21-71B{495}

STAMFORD, Conn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
has approved a $973,192 grant to allow the denomination's Virginia Annual
(regional) Conference to further address the needs of those affected by the
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

That action came during the Oct. 21-24 meeting of the denomination's Board
of Global Ministries. UMCOR directors are continuing to distribute money
contributed to its "Love in the Midst of Tragedy" fund, which was
established by the denomination in response to terrorist attacks. A total of
$2,087,892 was allocated at the October meeting. 

The three-year plan developed by the Northern Virginia Board of Missions,
covering the Alexandria and Arlington districts, will target secondary
victims of the attack on the Pentagon. Those victims include immigrants, the
marginally employed and tourist workers along the Route One Corridor.
Programs supported by the grant will include direct aid, counseling, job
training, legal services and children's ministries.

UMCOR directors also approved additional grants for Sept. 11 response in the
New York area, including:

7	An additional $500,000 to the New York Conference for local church
programs initiated in response to the disaster.

7	One year of funding, at $145,000, for staff support in the New York
Conference disaster response office.

7	Assistance with food purchases and salary support of counselors, for
a total of $127,000, at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger at the Church
of St. Paul and St. Andrew, a United Methodist congregation.

7	Operational expenses of $102,700 for the Coney Island Avenue
Project, which has provided emergency funds for those affected by Sept. 11
and advocacy for immigrants.

7	Budget assistance of $40,000 for the Riverside Church food bank,
which has experience increased demand since Sept. 11.

As part of the response in Afghanistan, UMCOR directors approved $200,000
for the International Assistance Mission, which worked for years in that
country before being ousted by the Taliban in August 2001.

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United Methodist News Service
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