?Rowan County has been awarded federal funds through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency to be used for emergency food and shelter programs.
The $78,961 grant is made available through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, a statement said.
The Rowan County United Way is accepting applications from public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for the program. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Rowan County was selected by a national board led by an official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consisting of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.
A local board made up of representatives from county government, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Catholic community, the Protestant community, the Jewish community, United Way and a homeless advocate will determine how the funds are awarded in Rowan County.
Appropriated by Congress the funds will help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
The funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:
• Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government,
• Be eligible to receive federal funds.
• Have an accounting system.
• Practice nondiscrimination.
• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.
• If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.
Qualifying agencies are urged to apply for funds.
Rowan County distributed emergency food and shelter funds in the past with the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries and Family Crisis Council. These agencies were responsible for providing 2,022 meals and 3,972 nights of lodging. The agencies also assisted with 16 rent and mortgage bills and 406 utility bills.
For information about applying, call the Rowan County United Way office at 704-633-1802.