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Federal Funding Freeze Causes Uncertainty for Nonprofits in Southwest Virginia

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s freeze on federal funding and loans. This block only lasts until Monday afternoon and only applies to existing programs. However, news of Trump’s order to freeze federal funding sent shockwaves of panic through many organizations nationwide and here at home.

The freeze could impact a wide range of programs, including healthcare research, education, and other government-funded initiatives.

Local organizations in Southwest Virginia, many of which depend on federal grants, are now left in a state of uncertainty as they wait for clarity on how this freeze will affect them.

Feeding Southwest Virginia, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger, is among those feeling the pressure.

“We have a disadvantage when it comes to local food resources, so we learned early on back in the ‘90s that if we didn’t get help from the federal government—if we couldn’t get product to flow through our system—our neighbors wouldn’t be fed in our 26 counties,” said Pamela Irvine, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia.

Feeding Southwest Virginia isn’t the only organization facing the unknowns of the freeze. Many other local groups, such as Huddle Up Moms in Roanoke, are grappling with the uncertainty.

Hannah Goodman, Director of Support at Huddle Up Moms, expressed concern about the potential consequences of the freeze: “A lot of these moms and families don’t have anything, and to hear that we’re possibly taking what they do have away is frightening.”

On the political front, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine raised concerns about the freeze’s impact on disaster relief funds, particularly those set aside for the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. He criticized the timing of the freeze, highlighting the irony of Vice President Vance’s recent visit to Southwest Virginia.

“Well, yeah, you visited once before, but when we were trying to do funding, you tried to get in the way. You were unsuccessful, and now you show up to say you are here to help while just hours later the administration issues an order saying you can’t fund,” Kaine said.

On the other hand, Republican Congressman Ben Cline emphasized the freeze’s role in ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars.

“There are many grants that go to help a lot of people in the Sixth District of Virginia, and we want to make sure those are not affected,” Cline said. “But it’s part of what Trump was elected to do, to exercise some fiscal responsibility in the administration of taxpayer dollars that have put us in such a bad fiscal situation.”

The freeze is part of a broader review of federal spending aimed at reassessing government expenditures.

White House officials have assured the public that the freeze will not impact individuals receiving benefits from programs like Social Security, Medicare, or food stamps.

WSLS will provide you with the latest on this developing story.


About the Author
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Kelly Marsh joined the team in July 2023.