Grant will help fund emergency programs
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on January 9, 2007 1:51 PM
Local non-profit agencies still have time to apply for their share of federal funds under the emergency food and shelter program.
Wayne County was awarded $56,457 for the program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency. In years past, only a few agencies applied for the funds, but the money that has been allocated has had a lasting effect, said Suzie Acree, the United Way of Wayne County's community investment director.
Non-profits such as the local Salvation Army shelter and the Community Soup Kitchen helped use the $55,078 allocated last year to provide more than 20,000 meals and 640 nights of shelter, she added.
"This provides significant help for feeding the hungry and providing shelter for those in need," Mrs. Acree said.
But the federal money is limited to certain agencies, she said. The agency or organization must be a non-profit group with 501(c)(3) status, which is a tax-exempt code under the Internal Revenue Service. Other requirements include that the organization must have an audit, it practices nondiscrimination and it has demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and shelter. To prevent duplication of services funded, Mrs. Acree said allocations will be awarded as supplements to current services and not as start-up funding.
Some organizations began submitting applications, which are available at the United Way office at 308 N. William St., as early as Jan. 3, but the deadline to apply is noon Jan. 19.
All applicants must also attend a meeting of the local Emergency Food and Shelter Board on Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. at the United Way office to be considered eligible for funding.