NEWS RELEASE
JANUARY 3, 2008
For more information contact:
Debbie Wilson
United Way of Central Florida
(863) 648-1500, Ext. 236 or (800) 866-8929
$153 MILLION AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE FOR
LOCAL EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAMS
HIGHLANDS COUNTY AGENCIES MUST APPLY THROUGH UNITED WAY
BY JANUARY 18, 2008
Highlands County, FL - Highlands County will receive a portion of the $153 million in federal funds approved on December 26th by President Bush to supplement emergency food and shelter programs as part of the Emergency Food And Shelter National Board Program. Local programs can apply for funds through the United Way of Central Florida immediately with application deadline January 18, 2008.
Highlands County has been selected by the National Board to receive funds but the exact amount has not yet been determined. The Board is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency 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 is charged with distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
The Local Board, made up of local government officials, clergy, emergency service providers, homeless representatives, and the United Way of Central Florida will determine how the funds awarded to Highlands County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs who apply and are run by local service agencies. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:
1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice non-discrimination, 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 agencies are urged to apply. INDIVIDUALS CANNOT APPLY FOR THESE FUNDS.
In 2007, Highlands County received $29,431 in Emergency Food and Shelter grant funds that were distributed through three local agencies. These agencies assisted with food purchases for food banks, rent, mortgage and utility bills.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food And Shelter Program funds must contact Debbie Wilson with United Way of Central Florida at (863) 648-1500, extension 236, 800-866-8929 for an application. Applications are also available by at www.uwcf.org or click here. The application deadline is Friday, January 18, 2008.
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