Seward County Receives Emergency Food And Shelter Grant

Seward County has been awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Seward County has been chosen to receive $4,998 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.

The board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

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 Feb. 7 .

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

In previous years , 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].