Emergency program awards $8,683 grant to Bourbon County

Bourbon County has been awarded $8,683 in federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, local officials said Monday.

The money will be used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area.

In past years, Bourbon County has distributed funds from the program to The Beacon, a local community assistance agency and food pantry; and Mother to Mother Ministries, a local organization that works to help meet the varied needs of single mothers in Bourbon County and to help area families with the responsibilities of parenting. Last year, both agencies applied for and received funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board program, Bourbon County Chapter of the United Way Executive Director Whendi Martin said.

The money is typically used to help needy families purchase food items or to make housing payments, Martin said.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; the Salvation Army; the United Jewish Communities; the Catholic Charities, USA; the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and the United Way of America.

All of these agencies and organizations provide the administrative staff and function as a fiscal agent in the national program, a written statement provided by Martin said.

The national board was charged with the responsibility of distributing funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas across the country, the statement said.

A local board made up of county officials, United Way staff and local representatives will determine how the funds awarded to Bourbon County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations 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, the statement from Martin said.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must meet a list of criteria. Organizations must be non-profit; operate an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and shelter programs.

Private voluntary organizations must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply, the statement from Martin said.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for funds through the Emergency Food and Shelter Programs should contact Martin at (620) 223-0980 for an application. All applications must be completed and submitted by March 20, Martin said.