Rowan County United Way

SALISBURY — Rowan County has been awarded federal funds through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the emergency food and shelter program.

The county will receive $64,918 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.

The grant was awarded by a national board chaired by FEMA that includes 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 local board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas in the country.

A local board made up of representatives from county government; the Red Cross; Salvation Army; the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish communities; United Way; and a homeless advocate will determine how the money will be distributed to local service agencies.

Under the terms of the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary, nonprofit or government entities; be eligible to receive federal funds; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and shelter programs; and, if 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 participating.

These agencies were responsible for providing 1,525 meals and 4,010 nights of lodging. They also assisted with 55 rent/mortgage bills and 45 utility bills.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for grant funding must contact the Rowan County United Way office at 704-633-1802 for an application.

The deadline is 5 p.m. April 13.