Interested agencies must apply by Jan. 25
Polk County has been chosen to receive $2,800 in federal funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
The selection was made by a national board, chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities and United Way of America. A local board was charged to distribute the funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
The Polk County board will determine how the funds awarded to Polk County will be distributed among the programs run by local service organizations in the area.
The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available through this program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private, voluntary nonprofits or units of government; 2) have an accounting system; 3) practice nondiscrimination; 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.
Emergency food and shelter funds for Polk County are administered by Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. These funds are available to all agencies for assistance with housing, utilities, food, emergency shelter and other crisis emergency needs.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Carol Newton, executive director, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry at 134 White Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722, or by telephone at 828-894-2988. The deadline for application is Friday, Jan. 25.
– article submitted by Wendy Thomas