County Gets Grant For Emergency Food, Shelter Program

Highlands County has been chosen to receive $64,485 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the 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 Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities and United Way of America.

The local board will distribute the funds that will expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The local board, made up of local government officials, clergy, emergency service providers, homeless representatives, and United Way will determine how the funds awarded to Highlands County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination, 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.

Individuals can't apply for this money.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying must contact Debbie Wilson with United Way of Central Florida at 863-648-1500, Ext. 236 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, Jan. 23.