TWIN-COUNTIES AWARDED FUNDS UNDER NATIONAL EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM

United Way Tar River Region is pleased to announce the continuation of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) in our community.  For Phase 32, Congress has appropriated $120,000,000 nationally to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs.  Of this amount, Nash and Edgecombe Counties have been awarded $95,243 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in our area.  

The source of funding is a federal appropriation from Congress to the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.  The National Board selects jurisdictions (cities or counties) for funding, not specific agencies.  The federal department responsible for this program is the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  These are not state, county government or United Way funds.

The National Board has chosen United Way as the Secretariat to carry out the administrative responsibilities.   United Way Tar River Region is responsible for organizing a Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board to recommend and oversee agencies receiving funds under the EFSP for the twin-counties.  Chaired by Warren Stephenson, the local EFSP Board is comprised of citizens from Edgecombe and Nash Counties who are representatives of the National Board member agencies, such as American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Salvation Army, United Way, and the National Council of the Churches of Christ.  In addition, local boards must include a homeless, formerly homeless, or homeless advocate in their membership.

“Administering the Emergency Food and Shelter Fund is extremely important for our community, especially as unemployment and poverty rates remain high in our area,” says United Way executive director, Ginny Mohrbutter.  “These funds are vital for our local non-profit agencies to provide needed emergency food and shelter options for our citizens who are experiencing tougher times.  We encourage qualified agencies to apply for the funding and help us meet the basic needs of our local neighbors.”    

To be considered for funding, an organization must be: (a) a private, 501 (c) (3) non-profit or unit of government, (b) have an acceptable accounting system, (c) practice non-discrimination, (d) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, (e) complies with the USA Patriot Act, and (f) have a volunteer board of directors (for non-profit agency).  
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds must meet above criteria and also complete a two-page application.  To receive an application, please contact United Way Tar River Region at 937-2213 x 200. THE DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS (TO BE RECEIVED) IS TUESDAY, MARCH, 17 at NOON.