SALISBURY — Rowan County has been awarded $61,830 in federal funds through the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The money will supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county, a news release stated.

The money will be distributed by a local board composed of representatives from county government, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Catholic community, the Protestant community, the Jewish community, Rowan County United Way and a homeless advocate. The board will recommend emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

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; show a history of delivering emergency food and/or shelter programs; and, if they are a private, voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for the funds must contact the Rowan County United Way office at 704-633-1802 for an application.  The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. July 3.

The selection of Rowan County was made by a national board that is chaired by the FEMA and consists of representatives from the 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.

Rowan County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously, with the Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries, Family Crisis Council and Capstone Recovery participating. These agencies were responsible for providing 1,613 meals and 4,179 nights of lodging. They also assisted with 41 rent or mortgage bills and 42 utility bills.