By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Rowan County has been awarded federal funds through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

The county will receive $69,878 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can do so through the Rowan County United Way.

The deadline for applications to be received is April 3, by 5 p.m.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. 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 Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.

The local board is tasked with distributing the funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

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 awarded to the county will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

The local board is also 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 from the National Board, 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 and if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Rowan County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter Funds previously with the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries and Family Crisis Council of Rowan County participating. The agencies were responsible for providing 1,625 meals and 5,322 nights of lodging. They also assisted with 24 rent/mortgage bills and 143 utility bills.

To apply, contact the United Way office at 704-633-1802.