Seward County Receives Emegency Food and Shelter Grant

Seward County has been chosen to receive $4,950 to supplement emergency
food and shelter programs in the area.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from
the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations,
Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the
USA and the United Way of America, which will provide the administrative
staff and function as the fiscal agent.

A local board made up of representatives from the county commission,
United Way, American Red Cross, Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic
Violence Center and the Liberal Ministerial Alliance will determine how
the funds awarded to Seward County are to be distributed among the
emergency food and shelter programs run by local boards responsible for
recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds
available under this phase of the programs.

Under the term of the grant from the national board, local governmental
or private volunteer organizations chosen to receive funds must:

· Be non-profit;

· Have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit;

· Practice non-discrimination;

· Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food
and/or shelter programs; and

· Must have a voluntary board if they are a private voluntary
organization.

Qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply by July 29, 2011..

Seward County had distributed Emergency Food and Shelter Funds
previously with the Mexican American Ministries Liberal Care Center, the
Stepping Stone Shelter and the Liberal Ministerial Alliance participating.

During 2010, the Stepping Stone Shelter used this grant to provide
nights of lodging for individuals and their families. The Liberal Care
Center provided rent/mortgage payments for families in need, food, and
assistance to families for utilities.

For more information on the program and the application process, contact
Kay Burtzloff, Seward County United Way, 620-624-5400 or email
[email protected].