Bourbon County receives federal funds for emergency uses

By Jason E. Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

Bourbon County has once again received federal grant money that will be used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area.

Local officials recently announced that Bourbon County has been awarded $5,727 in federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. This is the second time in recent months that Bourbon County has received money under the program -- county officials received $8,683 last month under the program.

The money is typically used to help needy families purchase food items or to make housing payments. Funds from the program are distributed locally to The Beacon, a local community assistance agency and food pantry that provides food, clothing and shelter to needy Bourbon County families; and Mother to Mother Ministries, a local organization that works to help meet the varied needs of single mothers in the area and to help families with parenting responsibilities.

Last year, both agencies applied for and received funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board program, officials said.

The selection of Bourbon County to receive funding 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, United Jewish Communities, 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 fiscal agents in the national program. The national board was charged with the distribution of funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas across the country, a statement from Bourbon County Chapter of the United Way Executive Director Whendi Martin 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 local emergency service organizations. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive the 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 government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must meet a list of certain criteria. Organizations must be non-profit; operate an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; and have demonstrated the ability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

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

Public or private voluntary organizations that are interested in applying for funds through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, or those people who have questions about the program, should contact Martin at (620) 223-0980 to obtain an application. All applications must be completed and submitted by May 19, Martin said.