Rowan County will receive more than $72,000 from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.
The funds were made available under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, which includes representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the Salvation Army, United Way, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and the Jewish Federations of North America.
The local board, which includes 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 $72,397 will be distributed to emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies.
Local public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for the funds must contact the Rowan County United Way. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Local agencies chosen to receive funds must:
• be private voluntary nonprofits 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
• have a voluntary board, if they are a private voluntary organization
Rowan County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously to the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries and Family Crisis Council. These agencies were responsible for providing 2,074 meals and 3,929 nights of lodging. The agencies also assisted with 36 rent or mortgage bills and 216 utility bills.
Contact the Rowan County United Way office at 704-633-1802 for an application. The applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 28.