Rowan County has been awarded federal funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The county will receive $68,247.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by FEMA and including representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; Jewish Federations of North America; Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide.

The funds were appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A local board of representatives from county government, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Catholic community, the Protestant community, the Jewish community, United Way and a homeless advocate will determine how the funds awarded to Rowan County are distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies.

Under the terms of the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary nonprofit groups or government agencies; be eligible to receive federal funds; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter; and, if it is a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Rowan County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries and Family Crisis Council participating.

These agencies were responsible for providing 1,601 meals and 3,298 nights of lodging. They also assisted with 94 rent/mortgage bills and 96 utility bills.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for emergency food and shelter funds should contact the Rowan County United Way office, 704-633- 1802, for an application. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. June 30.