DISASTER RELIEF STATUS

SHOPPING APPLICATIONS

Temporary Disaster Relief Status Applications 

The Montgomery County Christmas Store in Christiansburg, Virginia, has received board approval to expand its service area and guidelines for the 2024 Shopping Week.

Currently, households qualify based on living in Montgomery County, have an income cap of 125% of federal poverty levels, and have children in the home up to 18 years old. Adults in the household may also qualify if they meet the income criteria and are either 62 years or older or disabled if under 62.

In light of the recent storm damage in our area, which has led to our county being designated for disaster recovery services, we are broadening our outreach. We will now offer a "one-time shopping experience" for families affected by the hurricane in Montgomery County who may not have previously qualified but now face exceptional circumstances. Additionally, we are revising our eligibility guidelines to include Giles and Pulaski Counties, as well as the City of Radford.

Households applying under disaster relief status must provide letters from FEMA or their local government confirming their eligibility for relief benefits. Along with this approval letter, documentation proving that the damaged home is a primary residence, rather than a secondary home, is required. Acceptable documentation includes a driver's license or registration, a tax return, or mail from a government agency.

Eligible Household Members will include all people living in the home. Children up to 18 will receive toys and teen gifts. All of the household will receive clothing, household goods, and food.

Applicants can use our standard application system and should indicate their status as Disaster Relief applicants in the comments section. If they are awaiting the government-issued approval letter due to delays, their application will be marked as pending. Once they receive the necessary documentation, they can email photos to MCCSEligibility@gmail.com.

For Montgomery, Giles, and Pulaski counties as well as City of Radford

You have to apply for disaster assistance to get approved.

For FEMA find their information at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Please complete this form before applying to shop at the Christmas Store this year. When you apply, please add in the comments on the application that you are applying under Disaster Relief Status.

It is okay to apply before you have all of the documentation, and if you are approved, it will help us prepare and plan for your family.

In addition to the documents required on the standard application, you will need to upload under proof of residency a copy of the approval letter you receive from FEMA or your local government.

If your employer was affected, name the employer and their address, and include any official letters you receive showing you have lost your job with them. The affected employer must be located in a “Declared” disaster relief location.

Your application will remain “Pending” until we receive the documents and determine whether we can approve you. If we stop receiving your correspondence, we will decline the application but save it if you contact us to re-open it.

The deadline for a complete application is December 11, 2024

We are only open to provide services December 9-14, 2024

Email us the additional documents or information once you receive it at MCCSEligibility@Gmail.com

You may also text photos of paperwork or messages to 540-391-0549

 
 

Note:

Note: The address will take you to the street level of our building; however, you have to enter on the second level off Hickok St.

Walk-In Help With Applications

will be held at 30 W. Main St., Christiansburg VA


October 24th 4-7

October 29th 4-7

November 6th 4-7

Additional dates and onsite intake requests can be made through our Contact Us form

The application process requires providing the following documents:

  • ID

  • Income information for each household member

  • Proof of address for each household member

Please have these documents ready BEFORE you begin the application.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AFTER YOU APPLY

Applications will be reviewed starting in July and continuing throughout the year until the last few days of our December Store Week.

  • if you apply online, you will receive an email if you are approved or declined.

  • if approved, your shopping time slot will be sent to your email address.

  • If it is declined, you will be given the reason. If you believe there is a mistake, we will be happy to discuss it with you and make corrections if necessary.


  • When you apply in person at one of our application events, a volunteer will give you a time slot to shop or explain why if you are declined.


 

WHAT HAPPENS ON YOUR SHOPPING DAY APPOINTMENT

Only one adult from each eligible household is able to shop during your scheduled time of store week.

If your one-shopping adult requires assistance, please let us know in advance

 

WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS COMING?

 

  1. Children are not allowed in the store

  2. Childcare is not provided